Osmoglyn

1 What is Osmoglyn?

Brand: Osmoglyn

Generic: Glycerin

Osmoglyn is used for the treatment of certain conditions in which there is increased the pressure inside the eye, such as glaucoma. Glycerin can also be used before eye surgery to reduce pressure in the eye.

Osmoglyn may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine is available only through a doctor's prescription.

Research shows that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use of glycerin is not included in product labeling, glycerin is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

  • Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain)

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Solution
  • Spray

2 What to Know Before Using

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Osmoglyn. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 12 years of age.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. Glycerin may have an interaction with licorice and arsenic trioxide.

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus—Use of glycerin may increase the chance of dehydration (loss of too much body water)
  • Kidney disease—Glycerin may make these conditions worse
  • Heart disease
  • Confused mental states

3 Proper Usage

To use Osmoglyn properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. If you want to improve the taste of this medicine, mix it with a small amount of unsweetened lemon, lime, or orange juice, pour over cracked ice, and sip through a straw.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide.

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Osmoglyn, there are some precautions you must take. In some patients, Osmoglyn may cause headaches. In order to prevent or relieve a headache, lie down while you are taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if headaches become severe or continue, check with your doctor.

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Osmoglyn. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.

6 Related Clinical Trials

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