Did you know that the storage of eye drops plays an important role in their shelf life? Many people don't know that some eye drops should even be stored in the refrigerator , as they only retain their full effectiveness at cool temperatures.
In this article we will take a closer look at which eye drops should be stored in the refrigerator , for which this is not so important or even necessary and why.
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Why do we need to store some eye drops in the refrigerator?
Eye drops are essential in the treatment of various eye problems. The most common problems include glaucoma, dry eyes, allergies and conjunctivitis. However, if eye drops are not stored properly, their effectiveness and safety can be greatly reduced .
How do I store eye drops?
Whether or not eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator depends on the ingredients. Especially those that do not contain preservatives need to be stored in a cool place to ensure they remain safe and effective and to prevent the formation of bacteria .
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of eye drops and keeps them effective until their expiry date. Some eye drops contain very sensitive ingredients that only retain their active ingredients when refrigerated, making them safe to use and effective. It is recommended that eye drops be stored at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.
Applying cooled eye drops has other benefits. Swelling or itching can be relieved by the coolness , or if your eyes are dry, the cold drops have a refreshing effect and temporarily reduce the discomfort.
Regardless of whether the eye drops need to be stored cold or not, it is recommended that all drops be stored under controlled temperatures . Manufacturers and experts recommend a storage temperature of 15°C to 25°C for eye drops that do not need to be kept in the refrigerator. In addition, care should be taken not to expose the drops to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. This could alter the chemical structure and therefore affect the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
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Which eye drops need to be kept in the fridge?
Not all eye drops need to be kept in the fridge . We have made a list of the most commonly used eye drops in Germany and how they should be stored. Nevertheless, it is always essential to read the exact storage instructions on the package insert or packaging again.
Latanoprost (Xalatan) eye drops: tips for proper storage
Latanoprost eye drops are sold under various trade names, the most well-known being Xalatan. They are often prescribed for glaucoma and ocular hypertension to reduce pressure in the eye.
To ensure that the effectiveness is maintained, you should always store the still-closed bottles of Latanoprost eye drops in the refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Once opened, the eye drops can be stored for up to 6 weeks at a room temperature of up to 25°C . They should be used within these 6 weeks; after this, further use is not recommended.
Storing Latanoprost eye drops in a cool place before opening preserves the active ingredients and keeps the medication effective and clean.
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Do Systane eye drops need to be kept in the refrigerator?
Systane eye drops relieve the symptoms of dry eyes and refresh the eye. They do not necessarily have to be kept in the refrigerator , but they should be kept at room temperature and not exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
Storing at room temperature ensures that the drops retain their slight viscosity. The manufacturer recommends storing Systane eye drops between 15°C and 25°C .
Do Combigan eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Combigan eye drops do not need to be kept in the refrigerator . They are usually prescribed for glaucoma to reduce the pressure in the eye. They should be stored at a controlled room temperature between 15°C and 25°C and not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
The active ingredients brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate, which are crucial for the pressure-lowering effect, are best protected under the conditions mentioned above. However, it is recommended that Combigan eye drops be used within 28 days of opening .
Do Timolol eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Timolol eye drops are usually prescribed to treat glaucoma ; they reduce the pressure in the eye. They are also sold in Germany under other names, such as Eysano, Timoptol, Tiopex, Timoptic and a few others.
Timolol eye drops do not usually need to be stored in the refrigerator ; it is sufficient to store them at room temperature, but away from light and moisture. According to the manufacturer, a temperature between 15°C and 25°C is recommended.
However, you have to be careful as these drops are sold by different brands and therefore may contain different preservatives, which in turn affects storage requirements. Make sure you read the package insert of each product carefully to make sure you store your Timolol eye drops correctly.
Do Travoprost eye drops need to be kept in the refrigerator?
Travaprost eye drops are also used to treat glaucoma by reducing the pressure in the eye.
They can be stored in the refrigerator or outside at room temperature . According to the manufacturer, the recommended storage temperature is between 2°C and 25°C. However, you should be careful not to exceed these temperatures, even for a very short time.
Do Lumigan (bimatoprost) eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Lumigan eye drops (containing bimatoprost), like some other drops from our list, are often prescribed to treat glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure. They do not necessarily need to be stored in the refrigerator .
According to the manufacturer's recommendation, these drops should be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C . However, you must ensure that the Lumigan eye drops are always protected from moisture and not exposed to light so that their effectiveness is maintained at its best. In addition, the ambient temperature should never exceed 25°C .
The active ingredient bimatoprost is very sensitive, so it is very important to store the medication correctly. Also make sure that the cap is closed tightly after each use to avoid contamination.
Do moxifloxacin eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Moxifloxacin eye drops are used to treat bacterial eye infections . They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator , but you should make sure that the ambient temperature is between 15°C and 25°C . They should also not be exposed to direct light or moisture.
After each use, the bottle must be tightly closed and stored properly so that the drops do not become contaminated or lose their effectiveness. Once they have been used up or the expiration date has been reached, dispose of the bottle as indicated on the package insert.
Do prednisolone eye drops need to be kept in the refrigerator?
Prednisolone eye drops help against inflammation of the eye and relieve irritation. They are available in Germany under various trade names such as Inflanefran forte, Ultracortenol, Predni POS and others.
They do not usually need to be kept in the refrigerator . It is recommended to store them at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C , away from light and moisture. However, depending on the brand, there may be different formulations or preservatives, so it is important to always read the package insert to store the drops correctly and thus maintain their safety and effectiveness.
Do Tobradex eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Tobradex eye drops contain antibiotics and are prescribed for bacterial eye infections. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator . The perfect storage temperature is between 15°C and 25°C , away from heat, light and moisture.
Storing the drops at room temperature ensures the stability of the antibiotic and thus the safe use and effectiveness of the drops. Make sure to close the cap properly after each use.
Do Roclanda eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Roclanda eye drops are a combination medication containing the two active ingredients latanoprost and netarsudil. It is used in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Until the first use, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C , which helps the active ingredients remain effective.
After the first use, Roclanda drops can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. It is very important to note that once opened, they only have a shelf life of 6 weeks and should not be exposed to temperatures above 25°C, even for a short time.
Do dorzolamide eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Dorzolamide eye drops are used to treat glaucoma and to reduce pressure in the eye. Although these drops do not need to be refrigerated , there are specific storage instructions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
They should be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C , away from light and moisture.
Do Tacrolimus eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Tacrolimus eye drops usually need to be stored in the refrigerator . They are used in severe allergic eye diseases or after corneal transplants to prevent rejection .
Tacrolimus drops should be stored unopened between 2°C and 8°C . However, after first opening, some formulations can be stored at room temperature for a limited period of time. To be absolutely sure that you store the drops correctly, it is recommended that you read the package leaflet .
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Even more eye drops that should be kept in the refrigerator
There are countless different types and brands of eye drops on the German market. These include a wide range of brands and types for a variety of eye problems. The different formulations and versions have different storage requirements , so we recommend reading the specific instructions on the package insert for each product or asking your doctor or pharmacist. This way you can be sure that the medication is effective and can be used safely.
However, we have put together a list of other eye drops that must be stored in a cool place :
- cyclosporin eye drops
- fluorescein eye drops
- Ganciclovir eye gel
- Gentamicin eye drops
- Vitamin A eye drops
- Other
shelf life of eye drops
The shelf life of eye drops depends greatly on the brand, formulation, packaging and preservatives of the product. This applies to unopened eye drops as well as after the first use.
shelf life before opening
Normally , unopened eye drops have a shelf life of 1 to 3 years , but this can vary greatly depending on the ingredients and preservatives. In addition, the expiration date only applies if the drops have been stored correctly the whole time. It is very important to read the package insert so that you know exactly how to store the eye drops.
How long do opened eye drops last
After the first use, the shelf life varies greatly depending on the medication. Eye drops that contain preservatives tend to last a little longer than those that do not. They can usually be used for up to 28 days after opening, but there are some that can last up to 90 days. The preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria that can contaminate the eye drops and pose a risk to eye health.
Preservative-free drops are often packaged as a single dose and should be used immediately after opening. If they come in multidose bottles, they should usually be used between 14 and 30 days , otherwise contamination and bacterial growth can render the medication unusable.
General tips for storing eye drops:
- Expiry date: Check the expiry date stated on the packaging and do not use the eye drops beyond this date.
- Note the opening date: Make it a habit to mark the opening date on the packaging or the bottle itself so that you can optimally track the period of use.
- Store eye drops in a cool place: Follow the storage instructions very carefully. Some need to be stored in a cool place, others at room temperature.
- Changes in the medication: Before each use, check whether the eye drops have changed. If you find discoloration, cloudiness or particles in the drops, do not continue to use them.
- Hygiene: Also, be careful not to contaminate the dropper tip. Do not let it come into contact with the eye or other surfaces. Also, always wash your hands thoroughly before use.
These guidelines are very important to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your eye drops . This will minimize complications or other eye infections and ensure the best possible care.
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