propamidine isetionate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical aromatic diamidine disinfectant with bacteriostatic and antifungal activity.
Licensed uses
Minor eye infections such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Form
A preserved eye-drop solution containing benzalkonium chloride.
Contact lenses
Remove lenses before instillation; benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft lenses.
Driving
Vision may blur briefly after instillation; do not drive or use machinery until it is clear.
What is propamidine isetionate used for?
Uses include:
Licensed: topical treatment of minor eye infections, including conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Specialist non-licensed context: eye drops may be used as part of ophthalmologist-led treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
How does propamidine isetionate work?
Propamidine isetionate slows the growth of susceptible organisms. Its activity is strongest against many Gram-positive organisms, with weaker activity against Gram-negative and spore-forming organisms; it also has antifungal activity.
How to take propamidine isetionate
Use only in the eye. Follow the product label or instructions from a pharmacist or prescriber.
Wash and dry your hands.
Tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid.
Instil the drops without letting the bottle tip touch the eye, eyelid or eyelashes.
Close the eye, wipe away excess liquid with a clean tissue and replace the cap promptly.
Remove contact lenses before use. Seek professional advice about wearing lenses while the eye is infected.
Do not drive or use machinery until any blurred vision has cleared.
propamidine isetionate side effects
Common or expected effects
- The SmPC does not assign frequency categories. Reported effects include stinging, burning, eye pain or irritation and hypersensitivity.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using the drops and seek medical assessment if irritation, burning or pain develops or worsens.
- Get urgent help for a serious allergic reaction, particularly facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty.
- Seek urgent eye assessment for severe pain, light sensitivity or altered vision.
propamidine isetionate in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use only when a doctor considers it essential; discuss treatment with a doctor or pharmacist before use.
propamidine isetionate while breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established. Use should be considered by a doctor where it is regarded as essential.
propamidine isetionate interactions
No interactions with other medicines are known from the selected UK SmPC. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other eye preparations so their administration can be coordinated.
Common questions about propamidine isetionate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is propamidine isetionate used for?
The selected eye drops are licensed for minor eye or eyelid infections, including conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Is it an antibiotic?
It is an aromatic diamidine disinfectant rather than a conventional antibiotic. It inhibits the growth of susceptible organisms and has antifungal activity.
Can I wear contact lenses?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.