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Freshkote Preservative Free

povidone / polyvinyl alcohol
Used for Dry Eye
Used for Dry Eye

Freshkote Preservative Free is an eye drop that has two moisturizing ingredients: povidone and polyvinyl alcohol. These artificial tears help temporarily relieve dry and irritated eyes. The eye drops don't contain preservatives and they're available over the counter. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. Most people don't have side effects from these lubricant eye drops.

Last reviewed on February 19, 2025
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What is Freshkote Preservative Free?

What is Freshkote Preservative Free used for?

How Freshkote Preservative Free works

Freshkote Preservative Free has two lubricating ingredients, povidone and polyvinyl alcohol. These ingredients work like natural tears. Freshkote Preservative Free helps protect and moisten (lubricate) your eye. This helps relieve dry eye and eye irritation.

When does Freshkote Preservative Free start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Drug ClassOphthalmic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$42.03(save 13.21%)
GoodRx discount
$36.48
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What are the side effects of Freshkote Preservative Free?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects"

Other Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Freshkote Preservative Free

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Pros

Available over the counter at many local pharmacies; doesn't require a prescription

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Cons

Might need to use multiple times per day

Only provides temporary relief

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Freshkote Preservative Free

pharmacist
  • Freshkote Preservative Free helps with dry eye. It also helps keep your eye from getting more irritated. Stop using the eye drops and talk to a healthcare professional if your eye symptoms get worse. They can suggest other options or recommend seeing an optometrist to check your eyes.

    • Some people might have side effects like redness, irritation, or a burning feeling in the eye after using Freshkote Preservative Free. Stop using the eye drops and call an optometrist if these side effects last more than 3 days, you have eye pain, or your vision changes. The care team can check your eyes to make sure everything is okay.

      • Always check the box or bottle to make sure Freshkote Preservative Free hasn't expired. Throw the bottle away 30 days after opening it, even if it's before the expiration date. This helps prevent bacteria from growing and lowers the risk of an eye infection.

        • To keep the eye drops clean, don't touch the tip of the bottle to any surface. This helps prevent germs from getting into the bottle and lowers the chance of an eye infection.

          • Don't use Freshkote Preservative Free if the seal is damaged or broken. Also don't use it if the eye drop liquid changes color or looks cloudy. This could mean that the drops are contaminated and might not be safe to use.

            • After using the drops, shake off any extra liquid from the tip of the bottle before putting the cap back on. Always close the Freshkote Preservative Free bottle tightly after you use it.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Freshkote Preservative Free

              Where can I buy Freshkote Preservative Free eye drops?
              You can buy Freshkote Preservative Free over the counter at your local pharmacy or online. Ask your pharmacist or another healthcare professional if you need help finding this eye drop.
              Who makes Freshkote Preservative Free eye drops?
              Freshkote Preservative Free eye drops are made by the pharmaceutical company Harrow Eye, LLC.
              Has Freshkote Preservative Free been discontinued?
              No, Freshkote Preservative Free hasn't been discontinued. This eye drop is still available over the counter at local pharmacies and online. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you're trying to find Freshkote Preservative Free.
              Is there a generic for Freshkote Preservative Free eye drops?
              No, there isn't a generic for Freshkote Preservative Free. Ask your pharmacist or a healthcare professional if you're looking for artificial tears that are available as a generic.
              Is Freshkote Preservative Free safe?
              Yes, Freshkote Preservative Free is safe when it's used as directed. In general, artificial tears like Freshkote Preservative Free don't typically cause serious side effects. In recent years, some artificial tear products were recalled because of safety concerns from potential contamination with bacteria. But Freshkote Preservative Free wasn't part of the recalls. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you're worried about how safe it is to use Freshkote Preservative Free.
              Is Freshkote Preservative Free the same as Systane?
              No. Freshkote Preservative Free isn't the same as Systane, even though they're both over-the-counter lubricant eye drops for relieving dry eye. Freshkote Preservative Free and the Systane branded line of products contain different ingredients that help keep the eye moist. Talk to a pharmacist or eye specialist about which eye drops are best for you.
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              dosage

              Freshkote Preservative Free dosage forms

              The average cost for 10 eye droppers of 10ml of Freshkote Preservative Free is $36.48 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 13.21% off the average retail price of $42.03.
              eye dropper
              Eye dropper
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              10ml10 eye droppers$36.48$3.65

              Typical dosing for Freshkote Preservative Free

              Each eye drop contains 2% of povidone and 2.7% of polyvinyl alcohol.

              The typical dose is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

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              How much does Freshkote Preservative Free cost?

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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Freshkote Preservative Free?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Freshkote Preservative Free. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Freshkote Preservative Free
              Used for:
              $36.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Dry eyes

              • Prevention of eye irritation

              $5.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Dry eye in people 16 years and older

              $97.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with artificial tears.

              Chaudhary, O. R. (2021). What are the side effects of lubricating eye drops? American Academy of Ophthalmology.

              Harrow. (n.d.). Ordering for patients.

              View All References (3)

              Harrow Eye, LLC. (2024). Freshkote Preservative Free Lubricant Eye Drops- povidone, polyvinyl alcohol solution solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Mukamal, R. (2024). Choosing the best lubricant eye drops for dry eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology.

              Pucker, A. D., et al. (2016). Over the counter (OTC) artificial tear drops for dry eye syndrome. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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