Eyebright

Generic name: eyebright [ EYE-brite ]
Drug class: Herbal products

What is eyebright?

Eyebright is a plant also known as Aufraise, Augentrostkraut, Casse-Lunettes, Eufrasia, Euphraise, Euphrasia, Herbe d'Euphraise, Luminet, and other names.

Eyebright has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating nasal congestion, sinus pain, cough, breathing problems and other symptoms of allergies or the common cold. However, eyebright use in these conditions has not been proven with research to be effective.

Other uses not proven with research have included using eyebright in an eyedrop to treat "pink eye" (conjunctivitis). Eyebright is thought to be possibly unsafe when applied directly to the eye.

It is not certain whether eyebright is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Eyebright should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Eyebright is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Eyebright may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Important Information

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• diabetes (eyebright can lower your blood sugar).

It is not known whether eyebright will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether eyebright passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I use eyebright?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use eyebright, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of eyebright at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with eyebright does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra eyebright to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using eyebright?

Avoid using eyebright in your eyes or you could develop an eye infection that could lead to serious vision problems.

Avoid using eyebright together with other herbal/health supplements that can also lower your blood sugar. This includes alpha-lipoic acid (APA), devil's claw, fenugreek, guar gum, ginseng, and horse chestnut.

Eyebright side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using eyebright and call your doctor at once if you have:

• vision problems;

• eye redness or swelling;

• watery or itchy eyes; or

• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, confusion;

• sneezing, cough, trouble breathing;

• nausea, constipation;

• tooth pain;

• sweating; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect eyebright?

Do not take eyebright without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with eyebright, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Further information

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.