Alcon Genteal Eye Drops

Alcon GenTeal Eye Drops is an ophthalmic lubricant eye drop formulated as a sterile aqueous solution. The active ingredient is Hypromellose (0.3% w/v), a cellulose-derived polymer widely used across the ocular lubricant category, formulated together with Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Boric Acid, and Hydrochloric Acid (used to adjust the solution’s pH). It is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) eye care product in Malaysia, meaning it can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

GenTeal Eye Drops uses a single-polymer Hypromellose formulation, which places it alongside other hypromellose-based lubricants in the wider GenTeal and Tears Naturale families, as distinct from the dual-polymer Dextran 70/Hypromellose combination used in Alcon Tears Naturale II, or the emulsion-based propylene glycol formulation used in Systane Complete. GenTeal is also sold as a thicker gel formulation under the same brand name; the product covered here is the standard liquid drop format, supplied in a multi-dose dropper bottle.

In Malaysia, Alcon GenTeal Eye Drops is commonly sold in a 10ml multi-dose dropper bottle through pharmacies and online platforms such as DoctorOnCall. It is manufactured by Alcon and is widely available across Malaysia and Singapore.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before use.
• Tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket.
• Hold the bottle upside down and instil 1 to 2 drops into the pocket of the affected eye(s).
• Avoid letting the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface, to prevent contaminating the solution.
• Close the eye gently for a few moments after instilling the drop.
• Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.
• If using another eye drop or ointment at the same time, wait at least 5 minutes between products.

For adults and children, the typical dose of Alcon GenTeal Eye Drops is 1 to 2 drops instilled into the affected eye(s) as needed throughout the day, or as directed by a pharmacist or eye care professional. There is no fixed maximum daily frequency stated on the product label, as ocular lubricants are generally used as often as comfort requires. If a dose is missed, simply instil the next drop at the next convenient time rather than doubling the amount. If dryness or irritation does not improve with regular use, or if symptoms worsen, stop use and consult a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing to self-treat indefinitely.

Use Alcon GenTeal Eye Drops before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton. Once the bottle has been opened, discard it after the in-use period stated on the packaging (commonly around 4 weeks for multi-dose ophthalmic solutions), even if some solution remains. Always check the specific in-use period printed on your pack, as this can vary by batch and market.

Store Alcon GenTeal Eye Drops at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly capped between uses to reduce the risk of contamination and evaporation. Do not store the bottle in a bathroom cabinet or car where temperature and humidity fluctuate significantly, and do not use the solution if it has changed colour or appears cloudy.

• Common: Temporary mild stinging, burning, or a feeling of something in the eye immediately after instilling the drop.
• Common: Brief blurring of vision for a few seconds to a minute after application.
• Common: Mild eye redness or watering shortly after use.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction such as eyelid swelling, marked redness, itching, or rash around the eye, which require prompt medical attention.
• Serious: Eye pain, significant vision changes, or irritation that does not settle within a short period, which should be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Hypromellose or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• Active eye infection or inflammation that has not been assessed by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Instillation directly over soft contact lenses without first removing them, as the product is not labelled for that use.

• No clinically significant food interactions are known for Alcon GenTeal Eye Drops, as it is applied directly to the eye and not taken orally.
• If using more than one type of eye drop or eye ointment, space each product at least 5 minutes apart so one product does not dilute or wash out another before it settles.
• Tell your pharmacist if you are using other prescription eye medications, so the order and timing of application can be planned appropriately.

• Keep the bottle cap on tightly between uses and avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface.
• Wash your hands before each application to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the bottle.
• Note the date you first opened the bottle so you know when to discard it per the in-use period on the label.
• Remove contact lenses before instilling the drops unless your eye care professional has advised otherwise.
• Store the bottle upright at room temperature rather than in a hot car or humid bathroom.
• Check whether you have the GenTeal liquid drop or GenTeal gel format, as the two have different textures and are not interchangeable in use.

Precautions: Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any other surface to prevent contamination of the solution. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before use. Discontinue use and seek advice if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness, or irritation lasting longer than 72 hours.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek professional advice if dryness or irritation persists or worsens despite regular use, if you notice any signs of infection such as discharge or increasing redness, or if you have an underlying eye condition that has not been previously assessed. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and parents considering use in young children, should check with a pharmacist or doctor before use.