Isopto Alkaline
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
ISOPTO ALKALINE
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Hypromellose 1.0% w/v
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Eye drops, solution.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1. Therapeutic Indications
Used topically to provide tear-like lubrication for the symptomatic relief of dry
eyes and eye irritation associated with deficient tear production. (Usually in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerophthalmia).
Also used as an ocular lubricant for artificial eyes.
4.2. Posology and Method of Administration
Adults, children and the elderly:
The dose depends on the need for lubrication. Usually one to two drops to each eye three times daily or as prescribed.
4.3
Contraindications
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
If irritation persists or worsens, or headache, eye pain, vision changes or continued redness occur, discontinue use and consult a physician.
To preserve sterility do not allow the dropper to touch the eye or any other surface.
The product contains benzalkonium chloride and should not be used when soft contact lenses are
worn.
4.5. Interaction with other Medicinal Products and other Forms of Interaction
None known.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Fertility
Studies have not been performed to evaluate the effect of topical ocular administration of hypromellose on fertility. Hypromellose is a pharmacologically inert compound and it would not be expected to have any effect on fertility.
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data from the use of ophthalmic hypromellose in pregnant women. Systemic exposure to hypromellose following topical ocular administration is negligible and the product has no pharmacological properties.
Lactation
It is unknown whether topical hypromellose/metabolites are excreted in human milk. No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman to hypromellose is negligible. In addition to this, hypromellose is pharmacologically inert.
4.7. Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines
May cause transient blurring of vision on instillation. Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery unless vision is clear.
4.8 Undesirable effects
The following adverse reactions have been reported following administration of ISOPTO ALKALINE. Frequency cannot be estimated from the available data.
System Organ Classification |
Adverse Reaction |
Eye disorders |
Vision blurred, eye pain, foreign body sensation in eyes, eye irritation, ocular hyperaemia |
Cases of corneal calcification have been reported very rarely in association with the use of phosphate containing eye drops in some patients with significantly damaged corneas.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Health care professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via their national reporting system:
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
Due to the characteristics of this preparation, no toxic effects are to be expected with an ocular overdose of this product, nor in the event of accidental ingestion of the contents of one bottle.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
OPHTHALMOLOGICALS: OTHER OPHTHALMOLOGICALS:
ATC CODE: SO1X A20
5.1. Pharmacodynamic Properties
Hypromellose is an inert substance. It has no pharmacological activity.
5.2. Pharmacokinetic Properties
Hypromellose is an inert substance. It has no pharmacological activity and, hence, the pharmacokinetic properties have not been studied.
5.3. Pre-clinical Safety Data
There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1. List of Excipients
Sodium citrate dihydrate, Disodium Phosphate anhydrous, Sodium biphosphate, Sodium chloride, Benzalkonium chloride, Purified water.
6.2. Incompatibilities
None known.
6.3. Shelf-Life
36 months (unopened), 1 month (after first opening).
6.4. Special Precautions for Storage
Do not store above 25°C. Do not refrigerate.
Keep container tightly closed.
Discard 1 month after opening.
10 mL Drop-Tainer - Natural Low Density Polyethylene Bottle and Plug. Polystyrene or Polypropylene cap.
6.6. Instructions for Use, Handling and Disposal
Do not touch dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the contents.
If the drop of medication is not retained in the eye upon dosing for any reason, instil another drop.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Alcon Laboratories (UK) Ltd Frimley Business Park,
Frimley, Camberley,
Surrey, GU16 7SR,
United Kingdom
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER
PL 0649/5900R
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION / RENEWAL OF
AUTHORISATION
9th October 1990/19th December 1996
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
24/12/2014