Before using Ocu-Chlor, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in the elderly. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.
When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.
Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Using this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you.
If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
- Ceftazidime
- Chlorpropamide
- Cyclosporine
- Dicumarol
- Fosphenytoin
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Tacrolimus
- Tetanus Toxoid
- Tolbutamide
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in the case of negative interactions.
Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
To use Ocu-Chlor properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
For solution (eye drops):
Although the bottle may not be full, it contains the exact amount of medication your doctor ordered.
Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medication into this space.
Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
If you think you did not get the medication into your eye properly, use another drop.
Do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly closed. This will help prevent infection of the eye.
For ointment:
Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space.
Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1/3-in amount is enough unless your doctor tells you to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink.
Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
To keep the medication as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly shut.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medication for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.
If you stop using this medication too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.
Dosing: Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication.
The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
For ointment form: Adults and children - Use every 3 hours.
For solution form: Adults and children - One drop every 1-4 hours.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep our of the reach of children. Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Ocu-Chlor to avoid unwanted potential side effects. A medication may produce unwanted effects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Less common:
Itching, redness, skin rash, swelling or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medication.
Rare:
Eye ointments may cause your vision to blur for a few minutes after use. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.
Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
