More recently, a new drug has appeared on the pharmaceutical market for the treatment of certain eye diseases called Oftagel. Reviews about this medicine are mostly positive - he has a good reputation both among patients and among doctors. That is why many people today are interested in the composition and properties of this tool.
The drug "Oftagel": composition and form of release
The main active substance of this drug is carboxypolymethylene. One gram of gel usually contains 2.5 mg of carbomer. As for the excipients, in the manufacture of the drug, substances such as polyvinyl alcohol, sodium acetate, sorbitol, lysine monohydrate, benzalkonium chloride and purified water for injection are used.
The drug “Oftagel” for the eyes is available in the form of a semi-liquid transparent gel (sometimes the substance may flicker). The substance is placed in plastic bottles with a convenient applicator.
Pharmacological properties of the drug
To date, one of the most effective means for moisturizing the cornea is considered to be Oftagel (eye drops). Reviews of this drug confirm that the medicine really helps to quickly get rid of dry eyes. Naturally, a similar therapeutic effect is primarily associated with the properties of the main active component of the drug.
Carbomer is nothing more than high molecular weight polyacrylate,
which interacts with the mucin layer on the surface of the cornea. In addition, more ionized portions of the carbomer molecule due to electrostatic forces hold water molecules around them. Thus, under the influence of the drug, the viscosity of the tear increases, and a moisturizing protective film forms on the surface of the cornea. In addition, carbomer is not a biologically active substance, therefore, does not affect epithelial cells.
By the way, thickening of the tear film on the surface of the cornea is very useful in the inflammatory process, colds and infections of various origins. Such a film also provides protection against erosive processes and injuries of the cornea.
It is worth noting that carbomer molecules are relatively large in size, so their penetration through the cornea and into the bloodstream is unlikely. Thus, Oftagel is an eye gel that does not pose a threat to health, but helps to cope with a host of disorders and problems.
Indications for use of the drug
There are many diseases and disorders that require treatment with this drug:
- To begin with, it is worth noting that quite often the eye gel is prescribed to patients with dry keratoconjunctivitis. This disease, better known by the people under the name “dry eye syndrome”, is caused by gradually progressive atrophy of the lacrimal glands, as a result of which the amount of tear fluid secreted decreases, its normal composition and consistency are disturbed.
- Another indication for use is a rather serious disease, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This disease is accompanied by damage to the mucous membranes of the body, in particular, the eyes, which leads to discomfort and fibrosis.
- As an adjuvant, eye gel is used to treat Sjogren's syndrome, a severe autoimmune disease that is accompanied by damage to the lacrimal and salivary glands.
- This drug is also prescribed for insufficient formation of tear fluid of different origin.
- In addition, the eye gel is able to quickly deal with eye irritation caused by dust, smoke, etc.
- It's no secret that when working at a computer, the eyes are constantly tense, which leads to excessive dryness of the cornea - the eye gel also helps people with "office syndrome."
- There are also some diseases of the eyelids, in which the cornea is not in close contact with the tear fluid, resulting in a feeling of dryness - this is also an indication for the use of Oftagel.
- In modern ophthalmology, this drug is also prescribed to patients during the rehabilitation period after previously undergoing laser correction or surgery.
The drug "Oftagel": instructions for use
Of course, such a tool can be purchased at almost any pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. Nevertheless, only a specialist knows about when and how to use Oftagel correctly. Instructions for use here are extremely simple.
Before using the medicine, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Tilt your head back and use your finger to gently pull the lower eyelid down. Now you need to drip one drop of the medicine into the conjunctival sac - the fluid should fall into the cavity between the surface of the eye and eyelid. When instilling, make sure that the tip of the pipette does not touch either the surface of the conjunctiva or the tissues of the eyelid.
In fact, many people use Oftagel drops from time to time - reviews about the drug are mostly positive. As for the dosage, you need to instill 1 drop in each eye 1 to 4 times a day, depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the intensity of the symptoms.
Are there any contraindications?
As mentioned earlier, Oftagel Eye Gel is a relatively safe product. Nevertheless, some of its components can cause an allergic reaction, which, as a rule, is accompanied by redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, burning in the eyes, aggravated by lacrimation. Thus, individual hypersensitivity to any of the constituent substances of the drug is an absolute contraindication to its use.
This medicine is prescribed with caution to women during pregnancy and lactation. The fact is that to date, clinical trials with such a group of patients have not yet been conducted, so the results of exposure to active substances on the mother and child are unknown. In some cases, women still use Oftagel during the period of bearing and feeding the baby. Reviews about him are positive, since adverse reactions rarely occur. Nevertheless, admission among this category of patients is possible only as directed by a doctor.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Today, many people use Oftagel (eye drops). Reviews confirm that side effects are extremely rare. Nevertheless, it is worth considering that after instillation, short-term itching and burning in the eyes may occur , and sometimes blurred vision.
In any case, if an allergic reaction occurs, you should temporarily stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor. The specialist will decide if you should continue to use the Oftagel medicine - analogues of the drug may be a safer treatment option.
Interaction with other medicines
To date, there is little information about the interaction of the eye gel with other drugs. There is only some information that Oftagel can prolong the absorption processes of other eye ointments or drops.
In any case, be sure to tell your doctor about other drugs that you use. If the need for the use of other drugs exists, then the Oftagel preparation should be instilled last, and the interval between the use of different drugs should be at least fifteen minutes.
Quality analogues
Unfortunately, far from every patient the Oftagel drug is suitable. Analogues of this medicine, of course, exist - if necessary, it can be replaced. But do not do it yourself, it is best to consult an experienced ophthalmologist.
A rather good substitute is the Lacropos eye gel, the main active ingredient of which is also carbomer. Both drugs act almost identically - the only distinguishing feature is the combination of auxiliary components.
Another high-quality analogue is Vidisik. It is also an eye gel with similar properties and the same active ingredient. By the way, the prices of analogues are almost the same.
Storage conditions and some useful recommendations
Immediately it is worth noting that the gel is sensitive to light. That is why it should be stored in cardboard packaging or in a dark place at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The drug should be kept out of the reach of children.
The shelf life of an unopened bottle is thirty months. After opening the plastic tube, the drug can be used no longer than a month.
Quite a lot of people wearing contact lenses use Oftagel. Their reviews indicate that the drug can lead to discoloration of the lenses, so it is better to remove them temporarily before use.
Do not forget that after instillation of the eyes, a short-term decrease in visual acuity is possible. That is why it is not worth immediately after using the medicine to drive a car or work with production mechanisms that require precision. It’s better to wait a few minutes - your eyesight will recover quickly.
Oftagel: consumer reviews
In fact, many people suffer from dry eyes. This question is as relevant as possible in the age of rapid technological progress and the widespread use of computer technology. And today, many ophthalmologists prescribe Oftagel to their patients. The reviews of patients and doctors agree on one thing - the medicine really helps to cope with inflammation, redness and dry eyes. The effect, by the way, comes almost instantly. Adverse reactions are extremely rare. When instilled, there is no discomfort.
Perhaps the only drawback of the drug is its price, which not all buyers like. On the other hand, health and comfort are worth all the money.