The eyelid is a fully functioning and complex skin tissue.

It consists of the eyelashes and sebaceous, sweat and tear glands.

Inflammatory reactions in these tissues lead to swollen eyelids. 

A swollen eyelid is not a condition, but a symptom.

It is a common symptom and usually develops due to injury, inflammation, infection, or allergy.

There are several medicines for swollen eyelids available. 

Make sure to inform your doctor about the symptom.

They can prescribe the proper medications as per the cause. 

According to Reuters Health
More than a quarter of people with an eyelid lift report dry eye symptoms like irritation and excessive watering.

Medicine for Swollen Eyelid

The medicines for swollen eyelids depend on the cause. 

In case you have developed an eye infection, doctors may recommend using an,

  • Ointment
  • Antibiotic eye drops, or 
  • Other topical medication

Applying a topical medication to the body may help remove the infection and ease your symptoms.

If the topical treatment is ineffective, your doctor might recommend antibiotics.

To cut eyelids’ swelling and clear them, you can consider taking some medications. 

Yet, consult your doctor before taking any medicines for swollen eyelids.

Eye drops

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eye drop

If you get blurry vision, the doctor may recommend using a vasoconstrictor eye drop like 

These eye drops are long-lasting.

The recommended dosage is one drop every eight to 12 hours for one to two days.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. 

These could kill the bacteria or make it hard for them to grow, survive, and multiply. 

Your healthcare provider may recommend Antibiotic ointments for Swollen Eyes.

These consist of Polysporin, Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution, and Azithromycin for your swollen eye.

Some antibiotic eye drops consist of a combination of Trimethoprim and Polymyxin B.

Antibiotics help in reducing irritation and resolving bacterial infections.

In severe cases, oral antibiotics like Azithromycin and Doxycycline may be recommended.

Anti-inflammatories

These medications block the production of certain body chemicals responsible for inflammation.

These could be categorized as either Corticosteroids or Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Warning
Even steroids can help in reducing eye inflammation. Consult your doctor before taking any medicines for swollen eyelids.


These can minimize the function and number of inflammatory cells.

They can also inhibit chemical mediators of inflammation.

Doctors may also recommend Milflox 0.5% 5 ml to treat bacterial eye infections.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

medicine
OTC – medicine

Over-the-counter medications can help you relieve the eyes in case of swelling. 

However, you can ask your doctor before taking these medications. 

Antihistamines could either be available with or without a prescription.

OTC Antihistamines include the following medications

  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)

Artificial Tears

These are specialized medicines for swollen eyelids.

They help in reducing the irritation and dryness in the eyes. 

Artificial tear medicines, like Eyemist E/D 10ml, contain

  • Polysorbates
  • Glycerine, and 
  • Other essential ingredients

This medication is also available in the form of drops and ointment.

For Artificial Tear drops,

  • Use 1 to 2 drops in the swollen eye
  • Close your eyes, look up, and try to rotate your for 1 to 2 minutes
  • For Gel application, squeeze the tube and place the gel over the eye
  • Gently close your eyes and repeat the rolling process in all possible directions

It will reduce inflammation and dryness of your eyes.

Also Read: Home remedies along with medications are effective for swollen eye. To know more about them, read our article “Remedies for Swollen Eyelid: Safe and Effective Solutions“.

How do I use medications correctly?

When you are taking antibiotics, make sure to consult your doctor.

They will let you know about all possible interactions

  • Complete the course prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better
  • If you stop taking the medicines, the left out bacteria might infect you
  • Avoid storing antibiotics for future usage
  • Don’t share your Antibiotic with others
  • Avoid blind intake of antibiotics prescribed for someone else 
  • This might delay your treatment, make you even sicker, or cause side effects

When to see a doctor

In general, the swelling of the eyelid goes away within the first 24 hours of occurrence. 

If it persists over a period of 48 hours, get in touch with your healthcare provider.

Your doctor will examine you and find the reason for this condition. 

They can even advise specific lifestyle changes to treat it.

If the condition persists, your doctor will consider your medical history.

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Doctors may recommend Actavis Bimatoprost 300 mcg or Azithral Eye Drops 0.1% (3ml) to treat your eye condition.

Conclusion

If you are waiting for an appointment, try non-prescription eye drops.

Those will help you relieve your signs and symptoms for some time.

You can also look out for artificial tears; these can lubricate your eyes. 

Avoid those medicines for swollen eyelids that claim to reduce redness and swelling.

These medications might cause more eye irritation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Citations:
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