Propylene glycol / polyethylene glycol 400
Dry eye · OTC
Trade namesSystane Ultra, Systane Balance, Systane Complete, Blink
Drug classArtificial tear, polyol demulcent
StrengthPG 0.3% / PEG-400 0.4% (varies)
AvailabilityOTC
Mechanism of actionPolyol demulcents with gelling/HP-guar system that cross-links on the ocular surface at tear-film pH; Balance/Complete add a lipid (mineral oil) phase for evaporative DED.
Indication / reason for useModerate DED; Balance/Complete target meibomian gland dysfunction and lipid-layer deficiency.
Usual adult dosing1-2 drops as needed; PF vials available for Systane Ultra/Complete.
PreservativePOLYQUAD (polyquaternium-1) in bottles; PF vials available , a preservative-free option exists
Contact lensesUse PF vials with lenses in; POLYQUAD is gentler than BAK but still remove lenses for bottle forms.
Common / important adverse effectsTransient blur (more with lipid formulations), stickiness.
Contraindications & cautionsNone significant.
Pregnancy / lactationLow risk.
Practice notesShake lipid-containing emulsions (Balance, Complete) before use.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.