Hydrocortisone is used to help relieve inflammation of the eye.
Use Hydrocortisone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop solution or eye ointment.
How to use the eye drop solution:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for a few seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
To use the eye ointment:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for about 1 minute.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
To minimise the risk of absorption affecting the whole body, gently press on the tear duct for about 1 minute after application of your recommended dose.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper or ointment container to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap it immediately after use. If the eye drop or ointment container becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
Do not share your eye drop or ointment with anyone else.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Hydrocortisone, wait for at least 10 minutes before using the other medicine.
If you are wearing soft contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- any bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the eye
- eye infection that produces discharge
- increased pressure in the eye
- undiagnosed red eye
as Hydrocortisone may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
- diabetes
- diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera (outer layers of the eye)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are using Hydrocortisone, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Hydrocortisone may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: temporary irritation, burning or stinging sensation, redness or watering of the eye(s).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any of these medicines:
- atropine (other medicine for eye inflammation)
- medicines for glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Hydrocortisone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Throw away any remaining eye drops or ointments 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle or ointment tube so that you know when to discard it.
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