Optrex Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Optrex is a brand name covering several different eye drop products, each formulated for a different purpose. Some contain sodium hyaluronate to hydrate dry eyes, others contain the antibiotic chloramphenicol to treat bacterial eye infections, and some use witch hazel or sorbitol and carbomer to soothe and lubricate irritated eyes. The right formulation depends on whether you need relief from dryness, irritation, or an eye infection.

What is Optrex Eye Drops

Optrex is a brand name covering several different eye drop products, classed as ophthalmic solutions, eye lubricants, or eye washes depending on the specific product. The generic ingredient varies by formulation. The Moisturising Dry Eye Drops contain sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and lubricate dry eyes. The Infected Eye Drops contain the antibiotic chloramphenicol to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis. The Sore Eye Drops contain witch hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) to cool and soothe irritated eyes, and the Double Action Eye Drops contain sorbitol and carbomer to rehydrate and lubricate the eyes.

Optrex Eye Drops uses

• Relieving dry, irritated or burning eyes caused by environmental factors like air conditioning, smoke or pollution
• Soothing itchy or gritty eyes linked to dryness
• Supporting comfort for tired eyes, including from prolonged screen use
• Treating bacterial eye infections such as acute conjunctivitis (chloramphenicol drops only)
• Soothing sore, cooling and cleansing irritated eyes (witch hazel drops)
• Relieving dryness and redness together (Double Action drops)

Benefits of Optrex Eye Drops

• Hydrates and lubricates the eye surface for lasting comfort
• Can be used as often as needed for dry-eye relief
• Contact-lens friendly for some formulations (check specific product)
• Targeted antibiotic action against bacteria causing eye infections (chloramphenicol drops)
• Soothing, cooling relief for minor eye irritation (witch hazel drops)
• Preservative and phosphate free formula available (Double Action drops)

How Optrex Eye Drops works

Different Optrex products work in different ways. The moisturising drops contain sodium hyaluronate, which helps retain water on the surface of the eye to keep it hydrated and lubricated. The infected eye drops contain the antibiotic chloramphenicol, which stops bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to make proteins they need to survive. The sore eye drops contain witch hazel, which has a mild astringent effect that cleanses the eye and creates a cooling, soothing action.

Optrex Eye Drops dosage

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before use. Twist or remove the cap to open the bottle without touching the tip. Tilt your head back and look upward, positioning the bottle above the eye. Gently squeeze the drops into the eye, avoiding contact between the tip and the eye or skin. Blink a few times to help spread the drops across the eye surface, then replace the cap securely after each use.

For the infection drops, continue the full course even if symptoms improve, and do not use them for longer than directed. For the sore eye and moisturising drops, they can be used as often as needed. Some formulations are contact-lens friendly and can be used without removing lenses, but check the specific product packaging, as this varies between Optrex products. The Double Action drops are for adults and children over 6 years old, and lenses should not be worn while using them.

Available forms and strengths

• Eye drops

Side effects of Optrex Eye Drops

Common

• Temporary blurred vision
• Mild burning or stinging after application
• Slight eye irritation

Serious

• Swelling of the face or eyelids
• Rash or itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever or general unwell feeling
• Very rare blood-related effects

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Do not wear contact lenses while using, or just before using, this product. Wait at least 15 minutes after using before putting lenses in.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are already using other eye medicines.
• Check with a pharmacist before using the infection drops if you wear contact lenses, have glaucoma or dry eye syndrome, have recently had eye surgery or laser treatment, have eye pain, injury or light sensitivity, or have a history of blood or bone marrow conditions.
• Do not use the infection drops for longer than the recommended course, as this can increase side effect risk and reduce effectiveness due to resistance.
• Avoid breathing on or touching the dropper nozzle, and do not let it touch your eyes, eyelids, or share your eye drops with anyone else.
• Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye.
• Stop use if severe irritation or redness occurs.
• Check the product label before use, especially for children or contact lens wearers.
• This medicine may cause your vision to become temporarily blurred. Do not drive or operate machinery until your sight is clear again.
• If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
• If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage

• Store Optrex Moisturising Eye Drops according to the temperature and storage conditions stated on the packaging
• Keep the bottle securely closed and out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use it after the stated expiry date

When to see a doctor

• Get medical advice if your symptoms persist, get worse, or you develop significant eye pain or changes in vision.
• Get urgent medical help if you notice swelling of the face or eyelids, a rash or itching, difficulty breathing, fever, or generally feeling unwell.
• Speak to a pharmacist if your infection symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, get worse, or if you have severe pain or vision changes.
• If your symptoms have not improved after use, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Alternatives

• Blink Tears
• Refresh Tears
• Systane Eye Drops