Ophthalmic Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use

PART 349—OPHTHALMIC DRUG PRODUCTS FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER HUMAN USE

Subpart A—General Provisions

§ 349.1 Scope.

(a) An over-the-counter ophthalmic drug product in a form suitable for topical administration is generally recognized as safe and effective and is not misbranded if it meets each of the conditions in this part and each of the general conditions established in § 330.1.

(b) References in this part to regulatory sections of the Code of Federal Regulations are to chapter I of title 21 unless otherwise noted.

§ 349.3 Definitions.

As used in this part:

(a) Ophthalmic drug product. A drug product, which should be sterile in accordance with § 200.50, to be applied to the eyelid or instilled in the eye.

(b) Astringent. A locally acting pharmacologic agent which, by precipitating protein, helps to clear mucus from the outer surface of the eye.

(c) Buffering agent. A substance which stabilizes the pH of solutions against changes produced by introduction of acids or bases from such sources as drugs, body fluids, tears, etc.

(d) Demulcent. An agent, usually a water-soluble polymer, which is applied topically to the eye to protect and lubricate mucous membrane surfaces and relieve dryness and irritation.

(e) Emollient. An agent, usually a fat or oil, which is applied locally to eyelids to protect or soften tissues and to prevent drying and cracking.

(f) Eyewash, eye lotion, irrigating solution. A sterile aqueous solution intended for washing, bathing, or flushing the eye.

(g) Hypertonicity agent. An agent which exerts an osmotic gradient greater than that present in body tissues and fluids, so that water is drawn from the body tissues and fluids across semipermeable membranes. Applied topically to the eye, a hypertonicity agent creates an osmotic gradient which draws water out of the cornea.

(h) Isotonicity. A state or quality in which the osmotic pressure in two fluids is equal.

(i) Vasoconstrictor. A pharmacologic agent which, when applied topically to the mucous membranes of the eye, causes transient constriction of conjunctival blood vessels.

Subpart B—Active Ingredients

§ 349.10 Ophthalmic astringent.

The active ingredient and its concentration in the product is as follows: Zinc sulfate, 0.25 percent.

§ 349.12 Ophthalmic demulcents.

The active ingredients of the product consist of any of the following, within the established concentrations for each ingredient:

(a) Cellulose derivatives:

(1) Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, 0.2 to 2.5 percent.

(2) Hydroxyethyl cellulose, 0.2 to 2.5 percent.

(3) Hypromellose, 0.2 to 2.5 percent.

(4) Methylcellulose, 0.2 to 2.5 percent.

(b) Dextran 70, 0.1 percent when used with another polymeric demulcent agent in this section.

(c) Gelatin, 0.01 percent.

(d) Polyols, liquid:

(1) Glycerin, 0.2 to 1 percent.

(2) Polyethylene glycol 300, 0.2 to 1 percent.

(3) Polyethylene glycol 400, 0.2 to 1 percent.

(4) Polysorbate 80, 0.2 to 1 percent.

(5) Propylene glycol, 0.2 to 1 percent.

(e) Polyvinyl alcohol, 0.1 to 4 percent.

(f) Povidone, 0.1 to 2 percent.

§ 349.14 Ophthalmic emollients.

The active ingredients of the product consist of any of the following:

(a) Lanolin preparations:

(1) Anhydrous lanolin, 1 to 10 percent in combination with one or more oleaginous emollient agents included in the monograph.

(2) Lanolin, 1 to 10 percent in combination with one or more oleaginous emollient agents included in the monograph.

(b) Oleaginous ingredients:

(1) Light mineral oil, up to 50 percent in combination with one or more other emollient agents included in the monograph.

(2) Mineral oil, up to 50 percent in combination with one or more other emollient agents included in the monograph.

(3) Paraffin, up to 5 percent in combination with one or more other emollient agents included in the monograph.

(4) Petrolatum, up to 100 percent.

(5) White ointment, up to 100 percent.

(6) White petrolatum, up to 100 percent.

(7) White wax, up to 5 percent in combination with one or more other emollient agents included in the monograph.

(8) Yellow wax, up to 5 percent in combination with one or more other emollient agents included in the monograph.

§ 349.16 Ophthalmic hypertonicity agent.

The active ingredient and its concentration in the product is as follows: Sodium chloride, 2 to 5 percent.

§ 349.18 Ophthalmic vasoconstrictors.

The active ingredient of the product consists of one of the following, within the established concentration for each ingredient:

(a) Ephedrine hydrochloride, 0.123 percent.

(b) Naphazoline hydrochloride, 0.01 to 0.03 percent.

(c) Phenylephrine hydrochloride, 0.08 to 0.2 percent.

(d) Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, 0.01 to 0.05 percent.

§ 349.20 Eyewashes.

The active ingredient of the product is purified water. The product also contains suitable tonicity agents to establish isotonicity with tears, suitable agents for establishing pH and buffering to achieve the same pH as tears, and a suitable preservative agent.

§ 349.30 Permitted combinations of active ingredients.

The following combinations are permitted provided each active ingredient is present within the established concentration, and the product is labeled in accordance with § 349.79.

(a) Any single ophthalmic astringent active ingredient identified in § 349.10 may be combined with any single ophthalmic vasoconstrictor active ingredient identified in § 349.18.

(b) Any two or three ophthalmic demulcent active ingredients identified in § 349.12 may be combined.

(c) Any single ophthalmic demulcent active ingredient identified in § 349.12 or any ophthalmic demulcent combination identified in paragraph (b) of this section may be combined with any single ophthalmic vasoconstrictor identified in § 349.18.

(d) Any single ophthalmic astringent active ingredient identified in § 349.10 may be combined with any single ophthalmic vasoconstrictor active ingredient identified in § 349.18 and any single ophthalmic demulcent identified in § 349.12 or ophthalmic demulcent combination identified in paragraph (b) of this section.

(e) Any two or more emollient active ingredients identified in § 349.14 may be combined as necessary to give the product proper consistency for application to the eye.

Subpart C—Labeling

§ 349.50 Labeling of ophthalmic drug products.

(a) The word “physician” may be substituted for the word “doctor” in any of the labeling statements in this part.

(b) Where applicable, indications in this part applicable to each ingredient in the product may be combined to eliminate duplicative words or phrases so that the resulting information is clear and understandable. Other truthful and nonmisleading statements, describing only the indications for use that have been established and listed in this part, may also be used, as provided in § 330.1(c)(2), subject to the provisions of section 502 of the act relating to misbranding and the prohibition in section 301(d) of the act against the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of unapproved new drugs in violation of section 505(a) of the act.

(c) The labeling of the product contains the following warnings, under the heading “Warnings”:

(1) For ophthalmic drug products packaged in multi-use containers. “To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Replace cap after using.”

(2) For ophthalmic drug products packaged in single-use containers. “To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Do not reuse. Once opened, discard.”

(3) For ophthalmic drug products containing mercury compounds used as a preservative. “This product contains (name and quantity of mercury-containing ingredient) as a preservative. Do not use this product if you are sensitive to” (select one of the following: “mercury” or “(insert name of mercury-containing ingredient) or any other ingredient containing mercury).”

§ 349.55 Labeling of ophthalmic astringent drug products.

(a) Statement of identity. The labeling of the product contains the established name of the drug, if any, and identifies the product as an “astringent” (select one of the following: “eye” or “ophthalmic”) “(insert dosage form, e.g., drops).”

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” the following phrase: “For the temporary relief of discomfort from minor eye irritations.”

(c) Warnings. In addition to the warnings in § 349.50, the labeling of the product contains the following warnings under the heading “Warnings” for products containing any ingredient identified in § 349.10:

(1) “If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult a doctor.”

(2) “If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.”

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product contains the following information under the heading “Directions”: Instill 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to four times daily.

§ 349.60 Labeling of ophthalmic demulcent drug products.

(a) Statement of identity. The labeling of the product contains the established name of the drug(s), if any, and identifies the product as a “lubricant” or “demulcent (lubricant)” (select one of the following: “eye” or “ophthalmic”) “(insert dosage form, e.g., drops).”

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” one or more of the following phrases:

(1) “For the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye.”

(2) “For the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind or sun.”

(3) “For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.”

(4) “For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.”

(c) Warnings. In addition to the warnings in § 349.50, the labeling of the product contains the following warnings under the heading “Warnings” for products containing any ingredient identified in § 349.12:

(1) “If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult a doctor.”

(2) “If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.”

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product contains the following information under the heading “Directions”: Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

§ 349.65 Labeling of ophthalmic emollient drug products.

(a) Statement of identity. The labeling of the product contains the established name of the drug(s), if any, and identifies the product as a “lubricant” or “emollient (lubricant)” (select one of the following: “eye” or “ophthalmic”) “(insert dosage form, e.g., ointment).”

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” one or more of the following phrases:

(1) “For the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye.”

(2) “For the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind or sun.”

(3) “For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.”

(4) “For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.”

(c) Warnings. In addition to the warnings in § 349.50, the labeling of the product contains the following warnings under the heading “Warnings” for products containing any ingredient identified in § 349.14: “If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult a doctor.”

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product contains the following information under the heading “Directions”: Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid.

§ 349.70 Labeling of ophthalmic hypertonicity drug products.

(a) Statement of identity. The labeling of the product contains the established name of the drug, if any, and identifies the product as a “hypertonicity” (select one of the following: “eye” or “ophthalmic”) “(insert dosage form, e.g., drops).”

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” the following phrase: “For the temporary relief of corneal edema.”

(c) Warnings. In addition to the warnings in § 349.50, the labeling of the product contains the following warnings under the heading “Warnings” for products containing any ingredient identified in § 349.16:

(1) “Do not use this product except under the advice and supervision of a doctor. If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists, consult a doctor.”

(2) “This product may cause temporary burning and irritation on being instilled into the eye.”

(3) “If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.”

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product contains the following information under the heading “Directions”: Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 3 or 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

§ 349.75 Labeling of ophthalmic vasoconstrictor drug products.

(a) Statement of identity. The labeling of the product contains the established name of the drug(s), if any, and identifies the product as a “redness reliever” or “vasoconstrictor (redness reliever)” (select one of the following: “eye” or “ophthalmic”) “(insert dosage form, e.g., drops).”

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” the following phrase: “Relieves redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations.”

(c) Warnings. In addition to the warnings in § 349.50, the labeling of the product contains the following warnings under the heading “Warnings” for products containing any ingredient identified in § 349.18:

(1) “If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours, discontinue use and consult a doctor.”

(2) “Ask a doctor before use if you have [in bold type] narrow angle glaucoma.”

(3) “Overuse of this product may produce increased redness of the eye.”

(4) “If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.”

(5) “When using this product [in bold type] pupils may become enlarged temporarily.”

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product contains the following information under the heading “Directions”: Instill 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to four times daily.

§ 349.78 Labeling of eyewash drug products.

(a) Statement of identity. The labeling of the product identifies the product with one or more of the following terms: “eyewash,” “eye irrigation,” or “eye irrigating solution.”

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” one of the following phrases:

(1) “For” (select one of the following: “flushing,” “irrigating,” “cleansing,” “washing,” or “bathing”) “the eye to remove” (select one or more of the following: “loose foreign material,” “air pollutants (smog or pollen),” or “chlorinated water”).

(2) “For” (select one of the following: “flushing,” “irrigating,” “cleansing,” “washing,” or “bathing”) “the eye to help relieve” (select one or more of the following: “irritation,” “discomfort,” “burning,” “stinging,” “smarting,” or “itching”) “by removing” (select one or more of the following: “loose foreign material,” “air pollutants (smog or pollen),” or “chlorinated water”).

(c) Warnings. In addition to the warnings in § 349.50, the labeling of the product contains the following warnings under the heading “Warnings” for all eyewash products:

(1) “If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists, consult a doctor.”

(2) “Obtain immediate medical treatment for all open wounds in or near the eyes.”

(3) “If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.”

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product contains the following information under the heading “Directions”:

(1) For eyewash products intended for use with an eyecup. Rinse cup with clean water immediately before each use. Avoid contamination of rim and inside surfaces of cup. Fill cup half full and apply the cup to the affected eye, pressing tightly to prevent the escape of the liquid, and tilt the head backward. Open eyelids wide and rotate eyeball to ensure thorough bathing with the wash or lotion. Rinse cup with clean water after each use.

(2) For eyewash products intended for use with a nozzle applicator. Flush the affected eye as needed, controlling the rate of flow of solution by pressure on the bottle.

§ 349.79 Labeling of permitted combinations of active ingredients.

Statements of identity, indications, warnings, and directions for use, respectively, applicable to each ingredient in the product may be combined to eliminate duplicative words or phrases so that the resulting information is clear and understandable.

(a) Statement of identity. For a combination drug product that has an established name, the labeling of the product states the established name of the combination drug product, followed by the statement of identity for each ingredient in the combination, as established in the statement of identity sections of this part. For a combination drug product that does not have an established name, the labeling of the product states the statement of identity for each ingredient in the combination, as established in the statement of identity sections of this part.

(b) Indications. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Indications,” the indication(s) for each ingredient in the combination, as established in the indications sections of this part.

(c) Warnings. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Warnings,” the warning(s) for each ingredient in the combination, as established in the warnings sections of this part.

(d) Directions. The labeling of the product states, under the heading “Directions,” directions that conform to the directions established for each ingredient in the directions sections of this part. When the time intervals or age limitations for administration of the individual ingredients differ, the directions for the combination product may not exceed any maximum dosage limits established for the individual ingredients in the applicable OTC drug monograph.

§ 349.80 Professional labeling.

The labeling of any OTC ophthalmic demulcent drug product provided to health professionals (but not to the general public) may contain instructions for the use of these products in professional eye examinations ( i.e. , gonioscopy, electroretinography).