Hydrocortisone eye drops

How does it work?

Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. These act inside the cells to decrease the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in a particular area, itch and inflammation are reduced. Hydrocortisone is commonly used for the short-term treatment of inflammation in the eye (due to allergy, injury or infection) or ear (due to eczema).

What is it used for?

Inflammation and infection of the outer part of the ear canal

Red, swollen and painful eyes

Warning!

This medicine may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied it into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids (including eye/ear/nose preparations) or application to large areas of skin, can result in sufficient absorption of the corticosteroid into the bloodstream to prevent the normal production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal suppression). This is more likely to occur in infants and children. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Use with caution in

Avoid prolonged use

Not to be used in

Glaucoma

Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Red eye due to unknown causes

Viral, bacterial or fungal infections in the treatment area

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Spreading and worsening of infection

Visual disturbances

Local sensitivity reactions

Burning, itching and painful sensations in the eye

Tear of the eye covering due to the presence of another eye disease (eye preparations only)

Increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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