Catarax eye drops. Price, instructions for use, reviews

You can stop pathological processes in the lens with eye drops Catarax. They are effective against cataracts that can lead to complete blindness. Judging by the price, this tool is affordable for patients with any income level.

Forms of release and composition of the drug

Catarax comes in the form of a sterile solution with a bright red tint. It is a homogeneous liquid that does not contain suspended solids, foreign particles or sediment. The medicinal properties of eye drops are due to the chemical and biological effect of the active ingredient - sodium azapentacene polysulfonate.

In addition to it, the solution contains auxiliary substances:

• orthoboric acid;
• sodium hydroxide;
• propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
• sodium salt of boric acid;
• methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
• potassium chloride;
• thimerosal;
• purified distilled water.

Eye drops are produced in soft polypropylene bottles with a volume of 15 ml.

Each carton contains:

• 1 bottle of medicine;
• 1 dropper cap for precise and more comfortable dispensing;
• an annotation from the manufacturer with explanations on the use of drops and a detailed description of the medication.

Catarax is a product of the Romanian pharmaceutical company Rompharm Company.

Pharmacological properties

The therapeutic effect of the drops is carried out by sodium azapentacene polysulfonate. This substance, present in the composition of the solution, is necessary to stimulate the processes of proteolytic fermentation, which takes place in the humid environment of the anterior chamber of the eyeball.

Sodium azapentacene interferes with the binding of proteins in peptide compounds and amino acids, which in turn entails suppression of the processes of production of quinoid structures, indicating cataract changes.

Catarax eye drops have a complex effect on the visual organs:

• normalization of water metabolism on the mucous membrane and inside the eye;
• slowing down degenerative processes in the lens;
• change in the color of the lens (decrease in the degree of opacity);
• inhibition of the development of the disease;
• prevention of complete blindness.

Catarax - eye drops, the price of which cannot serve as a reason to refuse treatment. Most patients notice the first positive results of the application 7-10 days after the start of therapy.

According to the instructions, Catarax drops must be used for a long time in order to achieve tangible improvement. The drug is not prohibited from prophylactic use in patients who do not have a similar diagnosis in history, but predisposed to the development of cataracts for a number of reasons (genetic, occupational, age).

First of all, elderly people are at risk, since they often experience rapid destruction of the lens under the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Drops Catarax are prescribed for patients suffering from serious ophthalmic diseases.

The effectiveness of sodium azapentacene, which is a synthetic substitute for phenoxazone, is based on the principle of inhibiting the reactions between quinone and soluble proteins. The improper interaction of these two substances leads to clouding of the lens.

Sodium azapentacene, according to experts who support the theory of cataracts due to a failure in synthesis quinoid substances, belongs to the group of SH-radicals of soluble protein and is contained in a small amount in the lens eyes.

Under the influence of quinoids, degenerative changes in the internal structures of the lens occur, and sodium azapentacene undergoes oxidation due to abnormal metabolism of tryptophan and tyrosine - amino acids.

In a normal amount of sodium, azapentacene performs a protective function, preventing the quinoid substance from reaching the lens and provoking pathological changes. The component is able to increase the concentration of enzymes contained in the intraocular fluid of the anterior chamber of the eye.

Due to the stable inhibition of the reaction between soluble proteins and quinoid compounds, the destruction of the lens cells is suspended, it becomes more transparent.

There is no confirmed information on the pharmacokinetics of Catarax eye drops. It is known that phenoxazone is not absorbed into the bloodstream, but acts only locally.

Indications for use

Catarax - eye drops (the price may depend on the region of sale), the indications for the use of which are not only cataracts.

This tool is also used for:

• glaucoma;
• for the prevention of cataracts;
• other types of visual impairment up to its complete loss.

Lens clouding is triggered by denaturation of the protein that underlies its structures. There are many reasons provoking the start of degenerative processes, but regardless of the etiology, eye drops Catarax can be used for cataracts of any form (primary, secondary, congenital, traumatic).

Contraindications

The use of Catarax drops is not allowed in many cases. For example, the medication is considered ineffective in the complicated course of cataracts. If the patient needs surgery, the use of the drug will not bring positive results. This remedy is not used even after lens replacement surgery.

Also, Catarax eye drops are not allowed to be used in the presence of:

• severe injuries, chemical and thermal burns of the eye;
• ulceration of the cornea;
• suspected retinal detachment.

A contraindication to the use of an ophthalmic solution is an individual intolerance to the active substance. An allergic reaction usually manifests itself as redness of the eye, swelling and increased lacrimation.

It is undesirable to use Catarax for pregnant and lactating women, although the manufacturer does not explicitly prohibit treatment with this drug during gestation and lactation.

To make an informed decision about the advisability of using these particular eye drops, an ophthalmologist must objectively compare the potential risk and potential health benefits of the mother and the possible risk to fetus.

At what age can the drug be used?

In the treatment of ophthalmic diseases in children, Catarax is not recommended to drip. However, in practice, the medication is often prescribed to children with visual impairment caused by catarrhal lesions of the lens.

No official clinical trials on the use of sodium azapentacene polysulfonate in children have been previously conducted, therefore, in those cases when the doctor nevertheless decides to prescribe Catarax eye drops, the entire period of therapy should be closely monitored specialists.

It has not yet been studied how the drug will act on the visual organs of a minor, what may be the peculiarities of using sodium azapentacene polysulfonate in a child. Therefore, in cases where the course of cataracts is accompanied by chronic or autoimmune diseases, it is better to opt for safer analogs for treatment.

Instructions for use, dosage

For each patient, the ophthalmologist selects an individual treatment regimen based on the Catarax drug. Typically, doctors begin therapy with the lowest dose that is most effective. If there are no specific instructions for dosage and regimen of use, the drug should be used taking into account the recommendations from the manufacturer.

The step-by-step description of the scheme for using Catarax is no different from the use of other eye drops:

1. Before instillation, you need to remove glasses or remove contact lenses, after washing your hands with soap and water. It will be possible to use corrective agents again only 15-20 minutes after installation.
2. Before using the drug, you should avoid touching the surface of the dispensing cap to avoid infection of the mucous membrane of the eye.
3. At least 2 drops should be instilled into the affected eye no more than 6 times during the day.
4. After instillation, it is important not to allow the drug to enter the nasolacrimal canal, therefore, after manipulation, the patient should slightly tilt his head back and apply light pressure on conjunctival sac.

With complex therapy, a time interval of 15-30 minutes is observed between the use of various solutions. The course of therapy should not be interrupted even when the first positive changes in the course of the disease appear.

Side effects

Catarax eye drops, which have a relatively low price, can cause adverse reactions from the visual system. Side effects have been repeatedly identified during use by patients, as well as during post-marketing and laboratory tests.

User reports about the side effects of a medication are of great importance, since they allow the manufacturer to determine the balance of benefits and potential harm when using it. However, based on their results, it is impossible to objectively assess the risks of side effects in each specific case.

During the use of drops, the following reactions of the body occur:

• blurred vision;
• the feeling of the presence of a veil in front of the eyes;
• pain and cramps;
• irritation, intense lacrimation;
• redness of the sclera.

As a rule, an allergic reaction is caused by thiomersal, which is present in the composition of the medicinal solution. It is a preservative belonging to the group of organomercury compounds and is a toxic component. If taking Catarax drops causes any of the above reactions, further use of the drug is undesirable.

Overdose

Since Catarax is used topically for eye instillation, patients have practically no chance of provoking generalized symptoms by significantly exceeding the recommended dosage.

The systemic effect of drops is minimal, therefore, using a large amount of the medicinal solution, it is necessary to rinse the eyes with warm running water. This procedure will help remove excess drug from the surface of the ocular mucosa.

If the eye drops are taken orally by mistake, the patient may show symptoms such as:

• nausea and urge to vomit;
• chills;
• increased body temperature;
• limb cramps;
• light-headedness up to short-term loss of consciousness;
• irritation.

In this case, it is necessary to drink at least 1 liter of water in order to rinse the stomach as soon as possible and take sorbents (activated carbon, Enterosgel, Polysorb). The dosage of drugs is calculated based on the weight and age of the patient.

special instructions

Treatment of cataracts in children with Catarax drops is carried out under the supervision of a physician and subject to correction of the recommended doses. Similarly, you can use the drug for pregnant and lactating women. Elderly patients do not need a dosage reduction, since this medication does not affect vital organs and systems. Due to insufficient knowledge, Catarax solution is rarely used in pediatrics.

When carrying out medical manipulations, attention should be paid to the contact of the dropper tip with the mucous membrane and other surfaces. Such a measure will avoid infection of the eye and contamination of the solution.

A 4-hour break must be observed between installation procedures. Immediately after the introduction of the solution, for 20-40 minutes. in patients, vision temporarily deteriorates, the view is narrowed and the look is clouded.

In this regard, it is not recommended earlier than 1 hour after instillation, to drive a car, drive other complex mechanisms or perform work that requires maximum accuracy of actions and high speed of psychomotor reactions.

Also, contact lenses must be removed before installation. The drug can only be dripped into the eyes. In no case should Catarax be used intranasally or injected into the anterior chamber, under the mucous membrane of the lower or upper eyelid.

With cataracts, the medication must be used for a long period. Only a full course of treatment will help get rid of the symptoms of the disease, stop its progression and improve vision.

Drug interactions

To date, specialists have not been able to obtain information about the interaction of Catarax drops with other medicinal products that would have real clinical significance.

However, this does not mean that all medications can be used simultaneously with eye drops, without exception. Before using Catarax, it is necessary to consult a doctor, be sure to inform about taking other medications.

Analogs

Catarax - eye drops, the price of which is in the widely available segment of the pharmaceutical market. But if, for certain reasons, this particular medication is used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases is impossible, the doctor will select a complete replacement for Catarax among analogues with a similar principle actions.

Experts call the most popular substitutes for Catarax drops:

• Taufon - a combined topical agent containing sulfur-amino acid compounds (identical to those formed in the body as a result of cysteine ​​metabolism). Taufon activates the regeneration process in degenerative pathologies of the retina, lens, cornea. The cost of drops is 115-130 rubles. for a bottle of 10 ml.
• Quinax - eye drops used to relieve inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye that occurs with cataracts, glaucoma. Quinax contains the same active substance as Catarax, so this drug can be considered a complete analogue of the latter. The price of 1 bottle with 15 ml of solution is in the range of 370-390 rubles.
• Vita-Yodural - a medication, the main indication for the use of which is cataract. The chlorides of calcium, magnesium, nicotinic acid present in the solution provide more comfortable course of metabolic processes in the lens, due to which it is partially restored transparency. Vita-Iodural is on sale in pharmacies without a prescription for 380-410 rubles.
• Vitafacol - a complex agent, the action of which is aimed at stimulating metabolism in the lens. 1 mm of these eye drops contains cytochrome, sodium succinate, adenosine, vitamin PP. Unlike previous drugs and Catarax, Vitafacol can be used during pregnancy and lactation. The price of 1 package is 185-210 rubles.
• Catalin - an alternative to Catarax for elderly patients. Catalin is most often prescribed for senile cataracts in order to slow down the development of age-related destructive processes on the part of the visual system. The active ingredient is Pirenoxine. Catalin is sold in Russian pharmacies for 515-538 rubles.
• Oftan Katahrom - the composition of this drug has a lot in common with Vitafacol. These eye drops are usually prescribed to patients in the early stages of cataract manifestations. The use of the medication is contraindicated in children. According to reviews, the drug often causes adverse reactions. The price is 350-375 rubles.
• Khrustalin - eye drops, which are prescribed by ophthalmologists to prevent cataract changes in the tissues and structures of the eye. Thanks to the components contained in the preparation, a restorative, moisturizing, antimicrobial effect is obtained. A specialist often recommends the use of Chrustalin to maintain visual acuity, eliminate everyday fatigue and eye irritation.

Thus, analogs differ from Catarax not only in price, but also in chemical compositions:

Name	Active substance	Price
Catarax	sodium azapentacene polysulfonate	RUB 180-200
Taufon	taurine	RUB 115-130
Quinax	sodium azapentacene polysulfonate	RUB 370-390
Vita-Yodural	calcium chloride, magnesium, nicotinic acid	RUB 380-410
Vitafacol	cytochrome, sodium succinate, adenosine, vitamin PP	RUB 185-210
Catalin	pyrenoxine	RUB 515-540
Oftan Katahrom	cytochrome, sodium succinate, adenosine, nicotinamide	RUB 350-375
Khrustalin	nicotinamide, adenosine, sodium succinate, cytochrome C and benzalkonium chloride	RUB 320-330

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

Catarax is sold in most inpatient pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription from your doctor. The drug remains usable when the bottle is closed for 3 years from the date of release. After opening, the eye drops can be stored for no more than 30 days. You cannot use eye drops that have expired.

After each use of eye drops, the bottle must be tightly closed with a lid and placed in a cardboard box - it is important to protect the solution from the harmful effects of sunlight. Low temperatures are no less dangerous for Catarax, so you should not keep the product in the freezer or refrigerator. The most suitable temperature regime is 14-24 ° С, but not more than 25 ° С.

Price

The cost of Catarax eye drops may vary slightly in different regions of the country. For example, the price of a drug in Moscow and the Moscow region is 180-220 rubles. Unlike eye drops of a similar effect, this medication can be used for six months or longer, subject to regular medical supervision.

Video about drops from cataracts

Doctor about cataract eye drops: