Sodium chloride (Muro 128) is used to treat swelling of the cornea (outermost layer of your eye). It's applied directly into your eye, typically 3 to 4 times a day. Sodium chloride (Muro 128) is available over-the-counter as an ointment or solution. You should only use this medication if your provider says you need it.
Short-term relief of corneal swelling
Sodium chloride (Muro 128) is a hypertonic solution that lowers swelling by removing extra fluid from your cornea.
Source: DailyMed
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):
Available as lower-cost generics
Available over the counter
Comes in both eye drops and ointments
Might be difficult for some people to apply
Might need to apply multiple times a day
Can cause stinging in the eyes
If you typically wear contact lenses, your provider might instruct you to remove them while you're being treated for corneal swelling with sodium chloride (Muro 128). If you're not sure, please check with your provider.
Before applying sodium chloride (Muro 128), make sure to wash and dry your hands first.
Don't touch the dropper tip of sodium chloride (Muro 128)to any surface to avoid getting it dirty because this could cause an eye infection.
Stop using sodium chloride (Muro 128) and contact your provider if your eye problem worsens or continues for more than 3 days or you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or there is continued redness or eye irritation. These could be signs that you need more medical attention.
Store sodium chloride (Muro 128) in a cool and dry place at room temperature in its original container with the cap on and keep it away from children. Don't put it in the refrigerator or the freezer.
Tips on how to apply sodium chloride (Muro 128) eye drops:
If you're using sodium chloride (Muro 128) eye drops, make sure to shake the bottle before you use it.
When you're ready to apply the sodium chloride (Muro 128) eye drops, tilt your head backward and look up. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket and squeeze one drop of medication into this pocket.
Close your eyes gently while pressing a finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to help keep the medication in your eye. Try not to blink hard or squeeze your eyes during this time.
If you need to use more than one drop, wait a few minutes in between each drop.
Tips on how to apply sodium chloride (Muro 128) eye ointment:
If you're using sodium chloride (Muro 128) eye ointment, open the cap of the tube. Then bring the tip of the tube as close to your eyes as possible without touching your eyes.
Gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket. Squeeze a small ribbon of ointment into the pocket, then let go of your eyelid.
Blink gently and close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.
Sodium chloride (Muro 128) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
While sodium chloride is available in many other forms, sodium chloride (Muro 128) should only be used in your eyes. Don't give this medication any other way. If you feel this isn't the best choice for you or if it's tricky for you to use the medication properly, ask your pharmacist or provider for other options to treat your corneal swelling.
Different brands of sodium chloride eye products might have different directions for use. Please read the instructions on the manufacturer's label carefully before you use your product.
Some examples include:
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Cornea.
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. (2022). MURO 128- sodium chloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Lopez, M. J., et al. (2023). Physiology, osmosis. StatPearls.
National Eye Institute. (2019). Corneal conditions.
SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.
SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye ointments and gels.
Walgreen Company. (2023). WALGREENS SODIUM CHLORIDE OPHTHALMIC 5 PERCENT HYPERTONICITY EYE- sodium chloride ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
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