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Sodium chloride hypertonic

Dry eye · OTC
Trade namesMuro 128
Drug classHyperosmotic agent
Strength2% and 5% (drops and ointment)
AvailabilityOTC
Mechanism of actionDraws fluid out of the edematous cornea by osmosis, reducing stromal and epithelial edema and improving clarity.
Indication / reason for useCorneal edema, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, post-op / pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, epithelial bullae.
Usual adult dosing1-2 drops every 3-4 h during the day; ointment at bedtime.
PreservativeBAK (drops); ointment preservative-free
Contact lensesRemove lenses before use.
Common / important adverse effectsStinging/burning on instillation (dose-related), transient blur with ointment.
Contraindications & cautionsHypersensitivity. Not a substitute for definitive treatment of endothelial failure.
Pregnancy / lactationLow risk.
Practice notesMorning-worse edema (Fuchs) responds well to overnight ointment plus a hair-dryer at arm's length.
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.

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