Indications
Purified Water is water that has been treated, for example by distillation, deionisation or reverse osmosis, to remove minerals, germs and other impurities. In medicines it is mainly an inactive ingredient (vehicle) used to dissolve or carry the active ingredients in products such as eye drops, syrups, creams, lotions and solutions. When it is the main ingredient of a sterile eye solution, the product is used to rinse and refresh the eyes, for example to wash out dust, smoke, pollen or other irritants and to ease mild dryness or tiredness.
How It Works
Water has no drug action of its own. As an ingredient it dissolves other substances so they can be measured and delivered evenly. In an eye rinse, the solution physically flushes away small particles and irritants, dilutes anything that has entered the eye and moistens the eye surface. Sterile eye products are also adjusted to be gentle on the eye, often with added salts or buffers.
Dosage and Administration
As an inactive ingredient it has no separate dose. For an eye rinse or eye relief solution, use as directed on the label, usually a few drops into the affected eye, or a gentle rinse, as needed.
- Wash your hands before use.
- Do not let the tip of the bottle touch the eye, eyelid or any surface.
- If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them.
Interactions
No interactions are known with Purified Water itself. If the eye solution contains a preservative, remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back, unless the label says the product is safe with lenses.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any other ingredient in the product, such as a preservative.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, discoloured or the seal is broken.
- Ordinary purified water must never be injected; only Water for Injection is suitable for injections.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon. Brief stinging, mild irritation or blurred vision for a few moments may occur after putting solution in the eyes, usually because of preservatives or other ingredients.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe eye pain, a change in vision, worsening redness, sensitivity to light, an eye injury, or if a chemical has splashed into the eye (rinse straight away with plenty of clean water while getting help).
Pregnancy and Lactation
Purified Water is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If the product contains other ingredients, follow the label or ask your pharmacist.
Precautions and Warnings
- Purified Water is not sterile unless the label says so; eye products must be sterile.
- If eye symptoms do not improve within 72 hours, or get worse, see a doctor.
- Do not share eye products with other people.
- Discard the bottle after the period stated on the label once opened, often 28 days.
Overdose
Using more drops or rinsing more often than needed is not harmful. Swallowing an eye rinse by accident is not expected to cause harm.
Therapeutic Class
Pharmaceutical excipient (solvent and vehicle); eye irrigating solution.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and do not use after the discard date on the label.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.