Propamidine Isethionate is an anti-infective eye medicine, specifically an anti-amoebic, used as an additional treatment for a serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
| Drug class | Anti-amoebic |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 0.1% |
| Common Indian brands | Brolene |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Propamidine Isethionate is used for
Propamidine Isethionate eye drops are prescribed to treat a severe eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This medicine is used as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is given alongside other medicines, and is not typically used alone to manage this condition.
- Acanthamoeba keratitis
How it works
Propamidine Isethionate is an antiseptic diamidine. This means it works by acting against amoebae, which are tiny single-celled organisms. In the context of Acanthamoeba keratitis, it helps to kill or stop the growth of the Acanthamoeba parasite that causes the infection in the eye.
How it’s used
Propamidine Isethionate eye drops are typically instilled into the affected eye 4 to 6 times a day. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions on how often and for how long you need to use these drops. It is crucial to follow their directions precisely to ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Brolene
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 Propamidine Isethionate eye drops, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Adjunctive Treatment: This medicine is an adjunctive treatment, which means it is not used alone to treat Acanthamoeba keratitis. It will be prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan by your ophthalmologist.
- Prescription Medicine: Propamidine Isethionate is a prescription eye medicine. Use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
- Do Not Self-Medicate: Never use this medicine without a doctor’s prescription, and do not reuse an old prescription.
- Professional Advice: This information is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult your doctor for any concerns.
Understanding Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but very serious infection of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. This infection is caused by a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba, which is commonly found in soil, dust, swimming pools, hot tubs, tap water, and even bottled water. While anyone can get this infection, it is most common among contact lens wearers, especially those who do not follow proper hygiene practices. For instance, wearing contact lenses while swimming, showering, or using contaminated tap water to clean or store lenses can significantly increase the risk. Symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can include severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and a feeling that something is in your eye. Because these symptoms can be similar to other eye infections, it is crucial to see an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of them, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent severe vision loss or even the need for a corneal transplant.
Propamidine Isethionate is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for this infection. It works by targeting the amoebae responsible for the infection, helping to eliminate them and allow your eye to heal. Due to the severity and complexity of Acanthamoeba keratitis, your ophthalmologist will likely prescribe a combination of medicines and closely monitor your progress. Adhering strictly to your doctor’s instructions for all prescribed medicines is paramount for a successful recovery.
How to Correctly Instil Eye Drops
Using eye drops correctly is essential for the medicine to work effectively and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle.
- Check the Bottle: Ensure the tip of the dropper is clean and not damaged. Do not let the tip touch any surface, including your eye or fingers, to prevent contamination.
- Prepare for Instillation: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Instil the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with the other hand, positioning the tip directly over your eye. Look upwards and gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
- Close Your Eye: Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Do not blink excessively or squeeze your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
- Apply Pressure (Optional but Recommended): Gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye, near your nose, for about a minute. This helps prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and entering your bloodstream, keeping more of it in your eye.
- Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
- Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.
If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.
General Hygiene, Storage, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good hygiene is critical when using eye medicines. Always ensure your hands are clean before and after touching your eyes or eye drop bottles. Store your Propamidine Isethionate eye drops as directed on the packaging or by your pharmacist, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Do not store them in the bathroom, where humidity can be high. Always check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any medicine that has expired. Once opened, eye drops have a limited shelf life, usually 28 days, even if the expiry date on the bottle is further away. Your pharmacist can advise you on the specific discard date for your bottle.
It is vital to continue using your eye drops for the full duration prescribed by your ophthalmologist, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping treatment early can lead to the infection returning or becoming more difficult to treat. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or a sudden change in vision while using Propamidine Isethionate, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of a complication or that the treatment needs adjustment. Never hesitate to seek professional medical advice for any concerns regarding your eye health or treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Propamidine Isethionate used for?
Propamidine Isethionate is an anti-infective eye medicine used as an additional treatment for a serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
How does Propamidine Isethionate work?
Propamidine Isethionate is an antiseptic diamidine that works by being active against amoebae, which are the microscopic organisms that cause Acanthamoeba keratitis.
What are the common Indian brands for Propamidine Isethionate?
In India, Propamidine Isethionate is available under the brand name Brolene.
How should I use Propamidine Isethionate eye drops?
Propamidine Isethionate eye drops are typically instilled into the affected eye 4 to 6 times a day. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions on dosing and duration of treatment.
Do I need a prescription for Propamidine Isethionate?
Yes, Propamidine Isethionate is a prescription eye medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
What are the key precautions I should take when using Propamidine Isethionate?
Propamidine Isethionate is an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not used alone for Acanthamoeba keratitis. It is a prescription medicine, so use it only as directed by your ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse old prescriptions. This page is for general education and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Conjunctivitis – MedlinePlus
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- 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.