Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Health


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Comments (0)     E-mail E-mail article      Print Print view      Share Share

The People's Pharmacy

Seeing red over eyedrops overuse

Q: I've heard about becoming addicted to nasal sprays, but I wonder if one can become addicted to eyedrops.

Syndicated columnists

Q. I've heard about becoming addicted to nasal sprays, but I wonder if one can become addicted to eyedrops. I have severe dry eyes along with allergies, and I need a dose of eyedrops first thing in the morning and several times throughout the day. Otherwise my eyes get horribly red, swollen and irritated. Am I addicted?

A. You may well be experiencing rebound redness from overuse of eyedrops. The same ingredient found in many nasal sprays is found in eye products that help get the red out.

Oxymetazoline is a long-acting topical drug that constricts (shrinks) blood vessels. That is how it relieves congestion in the nose.

But people who use nasal decongestants are warned to use such products for only three to five days. Otherwise, they may experience rebound congestion as the medicine wears off.

The same thing can happen for eyes. Rebound redness occurs when the blood vessels dilate after the effects of the medicine fade.

You may be better off with artificial tears rather than anti-red drops.

Q. I have been on atenolol for blood pressure for a little more than a year. I am having problems like extremely cold feet, dizziness, fatigue and trouble breathing.

My doctors say I have to take this medicine but I am ready to throw it out.

A. There was a time when beta blockers like atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol were first-line treatments for high blood pressure. But now data suggest atenolol may not be "a suitable drug for hypertensive patients" (Lancet, Nov. 6-12, 2004).

Never stop a beta blocker suddenly, since this could be dangerous. Do discuss this with your doctor, as your symptoms could be side effects of the medication.

We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment with more information about beta blockers and other medicines as well as nondrug options. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. B-67, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our www.peoplespharmacy.com.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or via www.peoplespharmacy.org

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company

More Health headlines...

E-mail E-mail article      Print Print view      Share Share

Comments
No comments have been posted to this article. Start the conversation.

advertising


Get home delivery today!

More Health

NEW - 11:28 PM
Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill

NEW - 10:27 PM
Fitting public policy into push for fitness

NEW - 10:29 PM
Sole Republican to vote for bill knows price

Campaign to push for chocolate milk

U.S. House passes health plan

Advertising

Video

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.

Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan
Election Night: Mike McGinn
Election Night: Susan Hutchison
Election Night: Dow Constatine
Candlelight vigil for Officer Brenton
Flying Elephant on Aurora

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising