What is this medication for?

Sodium chloride 5% (also known as highly concentrated saline) eye preparations reduce/treat cornea swelling (edema). The cornea is the front, transparent part of the eye. When fluid builds up within the cornea, the swelling causes clouding of the cornea. This leads to blurry vision, and for some patients, they may also see halos around street lights or car headlights especially at night. Sodium chloride 5% helps to draw out fluid from the cornea to reduce swelling and relieve such symptoms.

Cornea swelling may occur due to surgery or in cornea disorders such as bullous keratopathy or Fuch’s dystrophy.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Proper use of eye drop
  

• Click on these links for

• A step-by-step guide on how to apply eye drops                                   https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/A-Step-By-Step-Guide-On-How-To-Instil-Eye-Drops
  
  

• A step-by-step guide on how to apply eye ointment                                https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/A-Step-by-Step-Guide-on-How-to-Apply-Eye-Ointment
  

• If you need to use more than 1 drop of medication, or if you are using another type of eye drop, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying the next eye drop. This is to prevent the first drop of medication from being washed away by the second drop of medication before it has time to work. This also prevents any medication interactions between different eye drops. 
  
  

• Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
  

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to use a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Then use your next dose at the usual time. Do not use two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.

• You are using any other eye preparations.

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Eye stinging

• Burning sensation in eyes

• Tearing

• Eye Redness

• Eye ointment may cause temporary blurring of vision

  • If you experience blurred vision, do not drive or operate any machinery until your vision is clear.

These symptoms are usually mild and will go away after some time. Check with your healthcare professional if these conditions are severe or do not improve.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty in breathing

• Itchy skin rashes around your eyes or over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Keep this medication away from children.

Discard this medication one month after opening.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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.

Last updated on Dec 2022