propylene glycol ophthalmic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

propylene glycol ophthalmic is a medication primarily used as a lubricant to relieve dryness and irritation of the eyes. Here’s some information about its action and spectrum: 

• Action: propylene glycol is a moisturizing agent and lubricates the eye’s surface. It helps retain moisture, preventing the eyes from drying and irritation. It also forms a protective film over the ocular surface, which helps to reduce friction and soothe the eyes. 
• Spectrum: propylene glycol ophthalmic is generally used to alleviate symptoms associated with dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome occurs the eyes do not produces sufficient tears/when the tears evaporate too fast. It may result in discomfort, itching, burning, redness, and blurred vision. propylene glycol helps to relieve these symptoms by adding moisture to the eyes and promoting a more comfortable environment for the ocular surface. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Irritation 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

propylene glycol ophthalmic is generally considered safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, there are some contraindications and precautions to be aware of.  

• Allergy or hypersensitivity: Individuals with known allergies or hypersensitivity to propylene glycol or other ingredients in the ophthalmic solution should avoid its use. 
• Eye infections: propylene glycol ophthalmic should not be used in active eye infections, such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. It is not intended to treat or cure eye infections and may not be effective in these situations. 
• Severe eye conditions: If you have severe eye conditions, such as glaucoma, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional prior to using propylene glycol ophthalmic. They can determine if it suits your specific condition and whether any precautions must be taken. 
• Contact lens use: propylene glycol ophthalmic may contain ingredients that can interact with contact lenses. It is generally recommended to remove contact lenses before using the ophthalmic solution and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. However, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions or consult an eye care professional. 

Caution 

While propylene glycol ophthalmic is generally safe for most individuals, there are some cautions to consider when using this medication.  

• Temporary Blurred Vision: propylene glycol ophthalmic may cause temporary blurred vision after application. Therefore, avoiding activities such as driving or operating machinery is advisable until your vision has returned to normal. 
• Eye Irritation: In some cases, propylene glycol ophthalmic can cause mild eye irritation or sting. If you experience persistent or severe discomfort, redness, or other adverse effects, discontinue use and consult with an eye care professional. 
• Pre-existing Eye Conditions: If you have any pre-existing eye conditions, such as glaucoma or any other eye disease, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional before using propylene glycol ophthalmic. They can determine if it suits your specific condition and provide appropriate guidance. 
• Contact Lens Use: As mentioned earlier, propylene glycol ophthalmic may interact with contact lenses. It is generally recommended to remove contact lenses before using the ophthalmic solution and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult an eye care professional for specific guidance. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited information on using propylene glycol ophthalmic during pregnancy and breastfeeding is available.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

US FDA pregnancy category: C 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk: Not known. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

When administered as eye drops, propylene glycol ophthalmic acts as a moisturizing and lubricating agent for the eyes. It helps relieve symptoms of dry eyes by retaining moisture and forming a protective film on the ocular surface. propylene glycol increases the hydration of the cornea and conjunctiva, reducing dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

It provides temporary relief by improving tear film stability and preventing excessive evaporation of tears. However, it is essential to note that propylene glycol ophthalmic does not address the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome and is primarily used to alleviate symptoms associated with dry eyes. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The exact mechanism of action of propylene glycol ophthalmic as a lubricant and moisturizer for the eyes has yet to be fully understood. However, its action is believed to be related to its physical properties and effects on the ocular surface. Here are some proposed mechanisms of action: 

• Moisturization and Lubrication: propylene glycol acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining water. When applied as eye drops, propylene glycol helps to increase the hydration of the cornea and conjunctiva, providing moisturization to the ocular surface. This helps to alleviate dryness, reduce friction, and provide eye lubrication. 
• Tear Film Stability: The tear film is a thin layer covering the eye’s surface, providing nourishment and lubrication. propylene glycol ophthalmic helps to improve tear film stability by preventing excessive evaporation of tears. It forms a protective film over ocular surface, reducing tear loss and prolonging the time between blinks. 
• Barrier Function: propylene glycol may help restore and enhance the natural barrier function of the ocular surface. It forms a thin and protective layer over the cornea and conjunctiva, helping to reduce the entry of irritants and allergens and minimizing further damage to the ocular tissues. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

When propylene glycol ophthalmic is applied as eye drops, it is primarily absorbed through the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. The absorption rate may vary among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as the formulation of the eye drops and the health of the ocular surface. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, propylene glycol is distributed within the ocular tissues, including the cornea and conjunctiva. It helps hydrate and moisturize these tissues, relieving dryness and irritation. 

Metabolism 

propylene glycol is a small molecule metabolized in the body by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. It is converted to lactic acid and metabolized into carbon dioxide and water through normal metabolic pathways. The metabolism of propylene glycol occurs primarily in the liver. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The breakdown products of propylene glycol, including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water, are excreted from the body through regular routes of elimination. Carbon dioxide is primarily exhaled through the respiratory system, while water and other metabolites are eliminated through urine and sweat. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Ophthalmic administration 

propylene glycol ophthalmic is typically administered as eye drops.  

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drops to ensure cleanliness. 
• Shake the eye drop bottle gently if required, following the instructions provided with the product. 
• Tilt your head back slightly and look up at the ceiling. 
• Using your index finger or thumb, gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a tiny pocket. 
• Hold the eye drop bottle upside down, close to your eye, and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the lower eyelid pocket. Be careful not to touch your eye or eyelashes with the dropper tip to prevent contamination. 
• Release the lower eyelid, close your eye gently. 
• Keep your eye closed for a short period (usually 1-2 minutes) to allow the eye drop solution to spread evenly over the eye’s surface. 
• If you need to administer more than one type of eye drop or your doctor has prescribed multiple eye medications, wait at least 5-10 minutes before instilling the next eye drop. This time interval helps to ensure that each medication is adequately absorbed. 
• If excess solution spills onto your face, gently blot it away with a clean tissue or cotton ball. 
• Recap the eye drop bottle tightly to prevent contamination and ensure the effectiveness of the medication. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: propylene glycol ophthalmic 

Why do we use propylene glycol ophthalmic 

propylene glycol ophthalmic is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with dry eyes. It helps to moisturize and lubricate the eyes, providing temporary relief from dryness, itching, burning, and discomfort.  

• Dry Eye Syndrome: propylene glycol ophthalmic is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs the eyes did not produces sufficient tears/when the tears evaporate too fast, resulting in dryness, redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. 
• Environmental Factors: It can be used to alleviate eye dryness caused by environmental factors such as wind, sun, smoke, air conditioning, or heating systems that can contribute to eye discomfort. 
• Contact Lens Discomfort: propylene glycol ophthalmic may relieve dryness and irritation associated with wearing contact lenses. It can provide temporary relief and improve lens comfort for individuals who experience dryness or discomfort while wearing contact lenses. 
• Eye Strain: Prolonged computer use, reading, or other activities that require intense visual focus can lead to eye strain and dryness. propylene glycol ophthalmic can help alleviate symptoms and provide relief in such cases.