Description
About Zaha Eye Drop
Zaha Eye Drop is a prescription sterile eye drop containing the antibiotic azithromycin, made by Ajanta Pharma, used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, the sticky form of “pink eye”, caused by susceptible bacteria. Each bottle holds 3 ml. Azithromycin eye drops are commonly a 1% solution; confirm the strength printed on your carton. Because it lingers on the eye’s surface, it needs fewer daily drops than many older antibiotics.
How does it work?
Azithromycin is a macrolide. It blocks protein assembly in bacterial cells, halting their multiplication so that the eye’s own defenses can clear the infection. It is active against common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis, including Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Is it the right treatment?
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically causes a red, gritty eye with thick yellow or green discharge and lashes glued together on waking. Viral conjunctivitis (watery, often with a cold) and allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, usually both eyes, often seasonal) do not respond to antibiotics. Mild bacterial cases often settle within one to two weeks without treatment, so a clinician may suggest waiting. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is different: it needs oral treatment, for example Azithromycin 500 mg as a doctor directs, because drops do not reach the genital source of infection.
How to use Zaha Eye Drop
The labeled schedule depends on strength. For a 1% azithromycin solution the usual course is one drop in the affected eye or eyes twice daily, 8–12 hours apart, for the first two days, then one drop once daily for the next five days. Products containing 1.5% azithromycin are used twice a day for three days. Follow your carton or prescriber, and finish the course even once the eye looks better.
- Wash your hands. If the label says to shake, invert the closed bottle and shake it once.
- Tilt your head back and gently pull the lower lid down to form a small pocket.
- Squeeze one drop into the pocket without letting the nozzle touch the eye, lashes or fingers.
- Close the eye and press lightly on the inner corner for about a minute so the drop stays in place.
- Blot away any excess, recap the bottle and wash your hands again.
If you use other eye drops, leave at least five minutes between them.
Contact lenses and hygiene
Do not wear contact lenses while the eye is infected or during the course; preservatives in eye drops can also be absorbed by soft lenses. Conjunctivitis spreads easily, so use your own towel and pillowcase, avoid rubbing your eyes, and throw away eye make-up used during the infection. Discard the bottle four weeks after opening, or sooner if the carton says so, and never share it.
What are the side effects?
Brief stinging, burning or irritation when the drop goes in is the most common effect, along with blurred vision for a few moments. Itching, redness or a feeling of something in the eye can occur. Stop and seek advice if the eyelids swell, a rash appears or the eye becomes more uncomfortable. Wait until your sight is clear before driving.
See a doctor urgently for true eye pain rather than grittiness, sensitivity to light, reduced vision, a red eye in a contact lens wearer, a recent eye injury, or red, sticky eyes in a newborn baby. Also go back if there is no improvement after about three days.
Who should not use it?
Do not use it if you are allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin or any other macrolide, or to an ingredient in the drops. Absorption into the body from eye drops is minimal; even so, mention pregnancy or breastfeeding to your prescriber. Children should only use it when prescribed; US labeling for a 1% azithromycin eye drop covers children from one year of age.
Pack sizes and storage
Each 3 ml bottle is sold in packs of 3, 6 or 12 bottles, from $13.75. Store as the carton directs, somewhere cool and dark, and do not freeze.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use drops or an ointment?
Azithral Eye Ointment is the same antibiotic as an ointment, which lasts longer in the eye but blurs vision; your prescriber will choose.
How quickly will my eye improve?
Discharge and redness usually start to settle within two to three days of the first drop.
Where can I find related products?
Browse the More Product range.
For general information only; it cannot replace an eye examination. Zaha Eye Drop is a prescription antibiotic, to be used only for an eye infection a doctor or optometrist has assessed.
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