Ophthagel

The drug Ophthagel contains the active substance carbomer 974P, which is a synthetic polymer and is used in ophthalmology as a gel base for treatment and moisturizing of the eyes.

Ophthagel Gel is used to relieve symptoms of dry eyes caused by various factors such as prolonged computer use, contact lens wear, exposure to harsh environments (including dry or dusty air) or diseases such as dry eye syndrome.

Carbomer 974P has the properties of moisturizing and protecting the surface of the eye by creating a protective layer on its surface and preventing the evaporation of tear fluid. This helps to reduce dryness, burning and irritation of the eye and improve comfort when wearing contact lenses.

The drug is usually applied as a gel, which is applied to the lower eyelid or into the conjunctival sac of the eye several times a day, as needed.

It is important to note that Ophthagel should only be used as prescribed by a doctor and should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications without consulting a specialist.

Indications Ophthagel

1. Dry Eye Syndrome: "Ophthagel" may be used to treat dry eye syndrome, which is characterized by a sensation of dryness, burning, sand or a foreign body in the eye due to insufficient moistening of the eye surface.
2. Contact lens wearers: Contact lens wearers often experience dry eyes, especially at the end of the day. "Ophthagel" may be recommended to moisturize the eyes and improve comfort while wearing lenses.
3. Prolonged reading or computer work: Intensive eye use while reading or working at a computer can lead to dry eyes and a feeling of fatigue. "Ophthagel" can help soothe and moisturize the eyes in these situations.
4. Effects of harsh environments: Exposure to harsh environments such as strong winds, dusty or polluted air can cause dry eyes. Application of Ophthagel may help moisturize and protect the eyes from such effects.

Release form

Ophthagel is available in the form of an eye gel. This form of release provides long-lasting moisturization and protection of the eye surface due to its viscous consistency, which stays longer on the mucous membrane of the eye compared to conventional eye drops. The gel creates a protective layer on the eye surface that reduces symptoms of irritation, burning and foreign body sensation in the eye.

Ophthagel Eye Gel is usually packaged in tubes or special containers with dispensers that facilitate application and help avoid product contamination.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Hydrating action: Carbomer 974P is a high molecular weight polymer that is able to attract and retain water. On contact with the surface of the eyeball, it forms a thin gel that helps to moisturize and hydrate the surface of the eye. This is particularly useful in dry eye syndrome, caused by inadequate moisturization of the ocular surface.
2. Improved comfort: Ophthagel provides additional moisturization and softening of the ocular surface, which may reduce the sensation of dryness, irritation and discomfort associated with dry eye or other irritants.
3. Protection against mechanical irritation: The gel creates a protective layer on the surface of the eye that helps prevent mechanical irritation caused by eyelid friction or other external influences.
4. Increased drug resistance: Carbomer 974P can serve as a viscosity for drugs, allowing them to remain on the ocular surface longer and provide longer lasting effects.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Carbomer 974P, the main component of Ophthagel, is a polymer that forms a gel in contact with water. After topical application in the eye, the gel usually remains on the ocular surface and is slowly released.
2. Distribution: Carbomer 974P remains on the ocular surface and provides long-lasting moisturization and protection. It is not distributed in body tissues and is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream.
3. Metabolism: Carbomer 974P does not undergo metabolic processes in the body.
4. Release: After topical application of 974P carbomer in the eye, it is gradually released from the eye, releasing moisture and providing long-lasting hydration and protection.
5. Safety: Carbomer 974P is well tolerated and usually does not cause systemic side effects. It can be used long-term without risk of toxicity or adverse reactions.

Dosing and administration

Here's how to properly apply Ophthagel:

Method of Application:

1. Preparation: Before applying the gel, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid eye infection.
2. Opening the package: Open the gel tube, being careful not to touch the tube tip with your hands or eyes to avoid contaminating the gel.
3. Gel application: Tilt your head back, pull the lower eyelid down slightly to form a conjunctival sac. Gently squeeze a small amount of gel into the conjunctival sac, taking care not to touch the eye with the tip of the tube.
4. Eye closure: Slowly close your eyes and lightly massage your eyelids through your closed eyes to evenly distribute the gel over the surface of the eye.
5. After use: Close the gel tube. Avoid immediate performance of tasks requiring clear vision, as Ophthagel may temporarily reduce visual acuity.

Dosage:

• The usual recommended dosage is 1 drop of gel in each eye 1 to 4 times a day, depending on the degree of dry eye and your doctor's recommendations.

Special Instructions:

• If you are using other eye medications, at least 15 minutes should pass between their use and the use of Ophthagel.
• Avoid touching the tip of the tube with your eyes or other surfaces to prevent contamination of the gel.
• After application of the gel there may be a short-term blurring of vision; wait until it is restored before driving a car or operating machinery.
• Consultation with an ophthalmologist is required before using Ophthagel for the first time.

Use Ophthagel during pregnancy

There is insufficient data on the safety of using Ophthagel during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to discuss the use of Ophthagel with your doctor before using it during pregnancy.

Your doctor can evaluate the benefits of treatment with Ophthagel and the potential risks to a pregnant woman and her baby. If the benefits of the drug outweigh the possible risks, your doctor may recommend its use, especially if dry eye symptoms are making your life very difficult.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity to the drug: People with known hypersensitivity to carbomer 974P or other components of the drug should avoid its use due to the risk of allergic reactions.
2. Eye infections: In the presence of an eye infection (e.g. Conjunctivitis), the use of Ophthagel may be contraindicated as it may worsen the infection or make it difficult for antibiotics to reach infected tissues.
3. Contact lenses: Use of Ophthagel while wearing contact lenses may be undesirable, as the drug may accumulate on the surface of lenses and cause discomfort. Before using the preparation, contact lenses should be removed and reinserted not earlier than 15 minutes after application.
4. Pediatric age: Data on safety and efficacy of Ophthagel in children may be limited, therefore its use in this age group may require special caution and doctor's advice.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of Ophthagel use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established and its use in these cases should be evaluated and recommended by a physician.
6. Individual characteristics: Taking into account individual characteristics of the patient, the doctor may decide to use or not to use the drug Ophthagel in a particular clinical situation.

Side effects Ophthagel

1. Temporary blurring of vision immediately after application. This usually subsides quickly, but patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery immediately after using the gel.
2. Asticky feeling in the eyes due to the viscous consistency of the gel, which should also pass quickly.
3. Aburning sensation or irritation in the eye immediately after application, which is usually fleeting.
4. Allergic reactions, although rare, may include redness, itching, swelling, or increased tearing. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are extremely rare.
5. Eye discomfort or feeling of a foreign body in the eye after application.

Overdose

1. Vomiting and nausea: Swallowed gel may cause vomiting and nausea as the body may react to the undigested substance in the stomach.
2. Stomach pain and discomfort: Overdose may cause stomach pain or abdominal discomfort.
3. Diarrhea: An increased amount of gel in the stomach may irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea.
4. Possible effect on electrolyte balance: In case of significant overdose, there is a possible effect on electrolyte balance, which may cause various symptoms associated with electrolyte imbalance.

Interactions with other drugs

Since it is intended for topical application, interactions with other medications are minimal. However, some important aspects should be taken into account:

1. Eye medications: If you are using other eye medications, such as antibiotic eye drops or anti-glaucoma medications, it is important to maintain an interval between their use and the use of Ophthagel. It is recommended to use the eye drops first and then apply Ophthagel to prevent the medications from blurring or diluting.
2. Contact lenses: When using contact lenses it is recommended to remove them before application of Ophthagel and leave them removed for some time after application of the gel. Carbomer 974P may interact with contact lens material and cause irritation or alteration of lens performance.
3. Dosage forms containing metal ions: When using Ophthagel, concomitant use of other eye medications or eye care products containing metal ions, such as zinc or magnesium, should be avoided, as this may affect the effectiveness of the gel.