Alcon Systane Ultra Eye Drops

Alcon Systane Ultra Eye Drops are a sterile lubricant eye drop solution manufactured by Alcon. The product information lists polyethylene glycol 400 (0.4%) and propylene glycol (0.3%) as the active ingredients, together with hydroxypropyl guar, sorbitol, aminomethylpropanol, boric acid and potassium chloride. It is an artificial tear type eye drop supplied over the counter in a multi-dose dropper bottle, and the pack size is shown on the product page.

Alcon product information also lists a preservative, POLYQUAD (polyquaternium-1, also called polidronium chloride) at 0.001%, as part of the formulation of the Systane Ultra bottle. Hydroxypropyl guar is a gelling agent that interacts with the borate in the formula, and polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol are lubricating agents commonly found in artificial tear products. Because the bottle contains a preservative, it is designed for repeated use over a defined period after opening, unlike single-dose vials.

Eye drop labelling can differ between countries and pack types, so the instructions inside your pack, including the discard period after opening and contact lens advice, should always be followed. Please check the packaging for the exact formulation and pack size supplied. Our pharmacist team is happy to advise if you wear contact lenses, use other eye medicines or have sensitive eyes.

Wash your hands thoroughly before using the drops.

Shake the bottle well before use.

Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket.

Hold the bottle upside down above the eye and squeeze out one or two drops into the pocket without letting the tip touch your eye, eyelashes, fingers or any surface.

Close your eye gently for a moment, or blink a few times, so that the drops spread over the surface of the eye.

If you use other eye medicines, wait at least 5 minutes between products, using eye drops before eye ointments or gels.

Contact lenses: Alcon labelling states that Systane Ultra may be used with soft contact lenses, but labelling can differ between markets. Follow the leaflet in your pack, or remove your lenses before applying the drops and wait before re-inserting them if the leaflet or your eye care professional advises this.

Replace the cap straight after use and do not rinse or wipe the dropper tip.

Adults: instil one or two drops into the affected eye(s) as needed, or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist or eye care professional. Do not exceed the number of drops advised on your pack.

If you miss a dose, simply use the drops when you remember; do not use extra drops to make up for it. See a doctor or pharmacist if eye symptoms persist for more than about 72 hours, or get worse.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton. Once opened, the bottle must be discarded after the period stated on your pack; Alcon labelling for this product family differs by market, so always follow the discard period printed on your own pack.

Store at room temperature, with the cap tightly closed, and protect from direct sunlight. Do not use if the security seal or cap is damaged. Keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Temporary blurred vision after instilling the drops, which usually clears within a few minutes.
• Common: Mild stinging, burning, watering or a feeling of eye discomfort for a short time after application.
• Common: Slight stickiness of the eyelids or crusting of the eyelashes as the drops dry.
• Serious: Eye pain, marked or persistent redness, sensitivity to light, discharge, swelling of the eyelids or a change in vision. Stop using the drops and seek urgent care, as these may point to an eye infection or injury.
• Serious: Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing. This is a rare allergic reaction and needs emergency medical attention.

• Do not use if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyquaternium-1 (polidronium chloride) or any other ingredient in the drops.
• Do not use if the security seal or cap is damaged or missing.
• Do not use if the solution has changed colour or become cloudy.
• Do not use if you suspect an eye infection or an injury to the eye; see a doctor instead.

• If you use other eye drops, gels or ointments, wait at least 5 minutes between each product, and use eye drops before ointments or gels.
• Preserved eye drops can affect some types of contact lenses; follow the leaflet in your pack and your eye care professional’s advice on timing.
• If you use prescribed eye drops for a condition such as glaucoma or an eye infection, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the timing between products.
• No food interactions are known.

• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelashes, fingers or any surface, as this can contaminate the bottle.
• Shake the bottle well before each use, as labelling advises.
• Write the date you first opened the bottle on the carton so you know when to discard it.
• If you use more than one eye product, leave at least 5 minutes between them.
• Wait until your vision clears before driving, cycling or operating machinery, as the drops can cause temporary blurring.
• Do not share your eye drops with others, and keep the bottle tightly capped when not in use.

Precautions: Eye drops should only be used in the eyes. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you wear contact lenses, ask a doctor, pharmacist or eye care professional about suitability before use. Never use the bottle after the discard date, even if the liquid looks clear. If your eyes become more irritated, red or painful, stop using the drops and seek advice.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor, pharmacist or eye care professional if eye symptoms continue for more than about 72 hours, get worse, or if you have eye pain, vision changes, marked redness, sensitivity to light or discharge. Seek urgent help for swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing after using the drops.