Special Diets

EYE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Shake the bottle well before each dose.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed and if your dose is for more than 1 drop. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or for longer than 10 days unless directed by your doctor.

EAR: Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times a day. Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or for longer than 10 days. The ear canal should be clean and dry before using this medication.

For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person insert the drops if possible. Before using, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it. This will minimize dizziness.

To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Shake the container well before using.

Lie on your side with the treated ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted with the treated ear upward for 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Another way to give this medication is to place a cotton wick in the ear canal and moisten it with the prescribed number of drops as often as directed. The wick should be replaced at least once a day.

Repeat the above steps for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Inform your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition after 2 days of treatment with this medication.