Can eye drops intended for humans be used on pets (Read details)

An eye is an eye, I would not think it would be an issue. But…I’d research more, ask for a second opinion.

Most animal pharmaceuticals are derived from human based products.

Visine and Clear eyes are NOT allergy eye drops. I would think they would be non-effective other than to soothe the eye a bit.

Don’t forget that manufacturers are not going to condone using their products on animals due to regulatory issues, but, this does not mean they can’t be used.

If your vet said it was okay I wouldn’t be too concerned.

@Coloma no, they aren’t allergy drops.. but both brands make allergy eye drops. My vet specifically said “allergy” eye drops, and mentioned those two brand names.

According to a handful of sites that Google brought up, this stuff could be potentially fatal. That’s kind of scary, no?? I am never sure whether to believe what I read online, sometimes I think a lot of it is fueled by this mindset that everything needs to be tended to by a doctor or a veterinarian. Not that it is a bad thing, I just wonder if some of it is paranoia – a sort of “cover your ass at all times” mentality.
Such conflicting information, makes me wonder which is correct. I really like my vet, and I’ve never had reason not to trust his judgment. Just strange.

@ANef_is_Enuf

Yeah, that’s a new one to me, fatal eye drops. Hmm.

I do think it’s a CYA thing much of the time.

Of course you want to be sure you won’t be doing anything harmful, I agree.

I’d go with the vets advice, I doubt they would give you that info. if there was a chance of your pet dropping dead from a dose of Visine.

I use animal betadine on myself, betadine is betadine, one bottle just has a pic. of dogs and horses and comes in quart size instead of a tiny bottle.

I also use a antibiotic ointment for dogs and horses that has a topical pain killer and, BONUS, a fly barrier! No maggots in my wounds. lol

My Shih Tzu, GiGi, has chronic dry eye and my vet told me to get some of the gel for dry-eye and use it for her. It has worked quite well with no obvious problems to date. I don’t know about Visine or Clear-Eyes. I used something else, but cannot recall the name of it right now, It is a clear gel that is specifically for dry eye in humans though. Dr. Brown told me stuff made for dogs is the same thing but a prescription would cost much more.

@VS that is essentially what my vet told us about the eye drops. He said it would give her the same relief, but it is much cheaper than a prescription.

Shared the question with @syz, large cat person.

It depends on the issue, and it depends on the drops. Saline solution for flushing the eyes is fine. Eye lubricants used for dry eye (like Refresh and Natural Tears) are fine. Topical allergy drops are fine as long as you check with your vet first – a few products have ingredients that can be dangerous.

Undiagnosed eye issues should never be treated without the oversight of a veterinarian, and here’s why: a painful, squinty eye is often a sign of a corneal abrasion or a scratch on the surface of the eye. Eye drops containing steroids will suppress the healing process, and in worst case scenarios, can actually result in a ruptured globe. I’ve seen it happen, and it aint pretty.

Before starting treatment, your vet will use a fluorescein stain to check the integrity of the surface of the cornea (the stain does not “stick” to the outermost layer of cells, and so any stain uptake indicates a break or tear in the surface). If there is no corneal abrasion, an antibiotic drop or ointment with a steroid component will help to reduce the inflammation and pain, and will usually allow for rapid improvement. As I mentioned, if there is a corneal abrasion, then steroids must not be used – it is much too dangerous. An antibiotic drop or ointment will be used, along with a separate drug to help with pain.

Visine in of itself is not usually a problem, depending on what formulation it is and what the ingredient list consists of. The problem is guessing about what the underlying issue is.

I have used clear eyes allergy drops on my male collie during hay cutting season for 3 years now. No issues. The dog drop the doctor would have perscribed contained the same active ingredient. hope this helps

No, always ask your vet before using any product on your pet.

Hi Enuf:

They say that about all meds. Its a rule of thumb for the uneducated masses. But Visine is not a medicine. If your dog has a real prob or worse an infection they may need prescription meds to treat it. That needs a med Doc for either a human or a dog. Even allergies are often treated with prescription meds so it really helps to have a script right for the condition be it a dog or cat or a human….