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Polyvinyl Alcohol
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Description
Polyvinyl Alcohol is an eye lubricant. It is used to relieve dryness of the eye and to prevent further eye irritation from the sun or wind. This medicine works by drawing more water towards your eyes which lubricates and soothes dry/irritated eyes.
Polyvinyl Alcohol rarely cause any side effects. Consult your doctor if you have severe eye pain, eye irritation and redness in your eyes. This medicine can temporarily cause vision changes. Therefore, avoid activities like driving vehicles or operating machines after using this medicine.
Polyvinyl Alcohol is available as eye drops. Your dose will be determined by your doctor. Do not use this medicine if you wear contact lenses. Take this medicine same time every day to maintain a constant level of medicine in your body. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting with your doctor as your symptoms could back.
Polyvinyl Alcohol is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor all about your current medications and existing medical conditions. This will help your doctor to adjust your dose for avoiding side effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Polyvinyl Alcohol
Eye pain
Eye irritation
Redness of eye
Visual disturbances
Uses of Polyvinyl Alcohol
What is it prescribed for?
Dry eyes
A dry eye is a common condition in which your tears are not able to provide sufficient lubrication to your eyes. Polyvinyl Alcohol is used to treat dryness of the eye and provides temporary relief from burning, irritation, and pricking sensation of the eyes.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol can be seen immediately after administration.Duration of effect
The time for which Polyvinyl Alcohol remains active in your body is not clinically known.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported with Polyvinyl Alcohol.Usage in pregnancy?
Polyvinyl Alcohol is considered safe for use in pregnancy.Usage while breast-feeding?
Polyvinyl Alcohol is considered safe for use while breastfeeding.
Allergy
Avoid using Polyvinyl Alcohol if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as severe itching, redness, eye irritation, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Polyvinyl Alcohol is considered safe for use in pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Polyvinyl Alcohol is considered safe for use while breastfeeding.
General warnings
External use only
Polyvinyl Alcohol should be used for external applications, only on your eyes.
Contamination
To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface. Close the cap after using Polyvinyl Alcohol. Appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent the contamination of the container.
Driving or operating machines
Polyvinyl Alcohol may cause short-term blurring of vision, pain/irritation/discomfort in the eyes. If you experience such symptoms, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines.
Missed Dose
If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, instil the missed dose of Polyvinyl Alcohol as soon as you remember. However, do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
As Polyvinyl Alcohol is for external use only, the chance of an overdose is unlikely. However, do not use more than the prescribed dose. Also, the internal consumption of this medicine should be avoided.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Use Polyvinyl Alcohol as per the instructions present on the label. Wash your hands before and after use.
Avoid touching the tip of the dropper against your eye or other surfaces. Close the cover of the bottle after administration to keep it clean and free from contamination. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
Do not use Polyvinyl Alcohol for more than 30 days after breaking the seal.
Avoid using Polyvinyl Alcohol if the solution is cloudy or the colour has changed.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Polyvinyl Alcohol is an eye lubricant. It has water-attracting properties that strengthen your tear film. This helps in lubricating and soothing your dry or irritated eyes.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Ophthalmic lubricants and irrigations
Schedule
OTC
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Polyvinyl alcohol. [online] Available at: [Accessed 22 November 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ARTIFICIAL TEARS- polyvinyl alcohol solution/ drops. [online] Available at: [Accessed 22 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 27 Jan 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.