Diquafosol Tetrasodium is an eye drop medicine used to treat dry eye disease by helping your eyes produce their own natural tears.
| Drug class | Secretagogue |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 3% |
| Common Indian brands | Diquas |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Diquafosol Tetrasodium is used for
Diquafosol Tetrasodium eye drops are prescribed by ophthalmologists primarily for the treatment of:
- Dry eye disease
Dry eye disease is a common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears they do produce are not of the right quality. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and sometimes even vision problems. Diquafosol Tetrasodium works to address the root cause of this dryness by stimulating your eye’s natural tear production.
Patients experiencing symptoms such as a gritty feeling, burning, stinging, redness, or blurred vision that improves with blinking, may be diagnosed with dry eye disease. Your eye doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine if Diquafosol Tetrasodium is the appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
It’s important to understand that dry eye disease can be chronic, meaning it may require ongoing management. Diquafosol Tetrasodium is a valuable tool in this management, aiming to improve your eye comfort and health over time by restoring the natural balance of your tear film.
How it works
Diquafosol Tetrasodium belongs to a category of medicines known as secretagogues. Unlike artificial tears, which simply add moisture to the eye, Diquafosol Tetrasodium works by stimulating your eye’s own cells to secrete water and mucin. Mucin is a vital component of your natural tear film that helps tears spread evenly and stay on the eye’s surface for longer.
By encouraging your eyes to produce more of their natural tears, including both the watery component and mucin, Diquafosol Tetrasodium helps to restore the natural tear film. This comprehensive approach means it doesn’t just replace tears; it helps your eyes function better on their own. A healthy tear film is crucial for lubricating the eye, washing away foreign particles, and providing a smooth surface for clear vision.
This unique mechanism of action makes Diquafosol Tetrasodium a targeted treatment for dry eye disease, aiming to improve the quality and quantity of your natural tears, thereby reducing discomfort and improving overall eye health.
How it’s used
Diquafosol Tetrasodium eye drops are typically prescribed for use as follows:
- Instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 6 times a day.
It is crucial to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions precisely regarding the frequency and duration of use. Do not alter the dosage or stop using the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Consistent use as prescribed is key to achieving the best results from this treatment.
When instilling eye drops, always wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to be absorbed. If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications.
Remember, this is a prescription medicine, and its use should always be guided by a qualified ophthalmologist who can assess your condition and provide personalised advice.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Diquas
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Precautions & side effects
When using Diquafosol Tetrasodium eye drops, it’s important to be aware of the following:
- This medicine works by a different mechanism than artificial tears. While artificial tears provide temporary relief by adding moisture, Diquafosol Tetrasodium stimulates your eye to produce its own tears. Therefore, it’s not a direct substitute for artificial tears if your doctor has prescribed both, but rather a complementary treatment.
- Diquafosol Tetrasodium is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription.
- Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- If you experience any unusual or severe eye irritation, pain, changes in vision, or other concerning symptoms after using these drops, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently using, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and other eye drops, to avoid potential interactions.
- If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on whether you should remove them before instilling the drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Generally, it’s advisable to remove contact lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Always store the eye drops as instructed and keep them out of reach of children.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a very common eye condition that affects millions of people in India and worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they do produce are not of the right quality. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes healthy, comfortable, and seeing clearly. They lubricate the eye, wash away foreign particles, and provide nutrients to the front surface of the eye. When your tear film is unbalanced, you might experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as a gritty or sandy sensation, burning, stinging, redness, sensitivity to light, or even blurred vision that improves with blinking. Sometimes, paradoxically, very dry eyes can also lead to excessive watering as the eyes try to compensate for the irritation. Factors like age, prolonged screen time, certain medications, environmental conditions (like wind or dry air), and underlying medical conditions can contribute to dry eye disease. If you suspect you have dry eye, it’s crucial to visit an ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment options for you. Pristine Eye Hospitals offers comprehensive evaluations and personalised care for dry eye disease, helping you find relief and improve your eye comfort.
Correctly Using Your Eye Drops
Using eye drops correctly is vital for their effectiveness and to prevent contamination. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle. This helps prevent germs from entering your eyes. To apply the drops, gently tilt your head back or lie down. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning the tip directly over your eye. Be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, as this can contaminate the medicine. Gently squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pocket you’ve created. After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for about one to two minutes. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out. If you need to use more than one drop in the same eye, or if you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly. Always replace the cap tightly after use. If you find it difficult to apply drops yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you, or discuss techniques with your eye doctor or pharmacist.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene and general eye care practices is important for everyone, especially when managing conditions like dry eye disease. Always store your eye drops according to the instructions on the packaging, usually in a cool, dry place, and keep them out of reach of children. Never use eye drops past their expiry date, and discard any opened bottles after the recommended period (usually 28 days, but check the specific instructions for your medicine) to prevent contamination. Avoid sharing eye drops with anyone, as this can spread infections. If you wear contact lenses, your ophthalmologist will advise you on when to remove them before using eye drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Generally, it’s best to remove lenses before applying drops and wait at least 15 minutes. Beyond medication, lifestyle adjustments can also help manage dry eye. These include taking regular breaks during screen time, using a humidifier in dry environments, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and protecting your eyes from wind and smoke. It’s important to be vigilant about your eye health. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, persistent redness, discharge from the eye, or if your current treatment doesn’t seem to be working, contact your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately. Regular follow-up appointments with your eye doctor are crucial to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed, ensuring the best possible outcome for your eye health.
Frequently asked questions
What is Diquafosol Tetrasodium used for?
Diquafosol Tetrasodium eye drops are used to treat dry eye disease, a condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears are not of good quality.
How does Diquafosol Tetrasodium work?
It works by stimulating the eye's own cells to secrete water and mucin, which are natural components of your tears. This helps to restore the natural tear film rather than just replacing it, making your eyes produce their own tears.
What are the common Indian brands for Diquafosol Tetrasodium?
In India, Diquafosol Tetrasodium is commonly available under the brand name Diquas.
How should I use Diquafosol Tetrasodium eye drops?
You should instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 6 times a day, or exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist. Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.
Do I need a prescription for Diquafosol Tetrasodium?
Yes, Diquafosol Tetrasodium is a prescription eye medicine and should only be used under the guidance and prescription of a qualified ophthalmologist.
What precautions should I take while using Diquafosol Tetrasodium?
Use it only as directed by your ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse old prescriptions. It works differently from artificial tears by making your eye produce its own tears. If you experience any unusual irritation or side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
References
- Dry Eye – National Eye Institute
- What Is Dry Eye? – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.