Medication Information Leaflet
Antihistamines are a group of medications which can be used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions. Antihistamine eye drops are used to treat symptoms of eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), such as red, itchy eyes and watery eyes. They may contain ingredients such as:
Apply this medication to the affected eye once or twice a day as directed by your healthcare professional.
For proper use of eye drop:
For contact lens wearers:
Antihistamine eye drops may be used when required for a short period of time. This means that you do not have to use them if you do not have any symptoms. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not apply two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
These effects are mild and will subside after some time. Do not drive or operate machinery immediately after using the eye drops.
If the discomfort continues for more than a few minutes, discontinue the medication, and rinse the affected eye with normal saline eye wash.
These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop these medications and consult your healthcare professional.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop these medications and see your doctor immediately.
To avoid eye irritation, remove the contact lens prior to application of the eyedrops and wait at least 30 minutes before re-inserting the soft contact lens.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Eye drops should be discarded 4 weeks after first opening, unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
Pack these medications into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimers
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
The information above is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medicine or other treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medicine or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. Under no circumstances will the National Medication Information workgroup be liable to any person for damages of any nature arising in any way from the use of such information.
Last updated on October 2023
This article was last reviewed on Thursday, March 21, 2024