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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oxymetazoline ophthalmic (Visine L.R., Visine Long Lasting)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it. Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic without your doctor's advice if you have glaucoma.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• asthma;
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether oxymetazoline ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether oxymetazoline ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use oxymetazoline ophthalmic (Visine L.R., Visine Long Lasting)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use oxymetazoline ophthalmic for longer than 3 days in a row without a doctor's advice. Overuse of this medication may damage blood vessels in your eyes. Call your doctor if your eye symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while using this oxymetazoline ophthalmic..

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Oxymetazoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using oxymetazoline ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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