Rebamipide (ophthalmic) (Eye Drop (suspension))

Rebamipide ophthalmic is an eye drop used to treat dry eye disease, particularly when there is a deficiency of mucin on the eye's surface.

Drug class	Mucosal Repair Agent
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop (suspension)
Common strength	2%
Common Indian brands	Mucosta ophthalmic (limited availability in India)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Rebamipide (ophthalmic) is used for

Rebamipide ophthalmic eye drops are primarily used to treat:

• Dry eye disease with mucin deficiency

Dry eye disease is a common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and sometimes blurred vision. Mucin is an important component of your tears that helps them spread evenly across the eye and keeps the surface moist. When there isn’t enough mucin, the tear film can become unstable, worsening dry eye symptoms.

This medicine is specifically designed to address the mucin deficiency aspect of dry eye, helping to improve the quality of your tear film and relieve symptoms associated with this condition. Your ophthalmologist will determine if this treatment is suitable for your specific type of dry eye.

How it works

Rebamipide ophthalmic works by increasing the production of mucin on the surface of your eye. Mucin is a vital part of your natural tear film, acting like a protective layer that helps tears spread evenly and adhere to the eye’s surface. By boosting mucin production, Rebamipide helps to stabilize the tear film, improve its quality, and keep your eyes better lubricated. This action helps to reduce the symptoms of dry eye disease, such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort, by restoring a healthier ocular surface environment.

How it’s used

Rebamipide ophthalmic eye drops are typically used as follows:

• Instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 4 times a day.

It is crucial to follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions precisely regarding the dosage and frequency of use. Do not alter the dose or stop using the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Consistent use as prescribed is important for the best results.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Mucosta ophthalmic (limited availability in India)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

While Rebamipide ophthalmic is a helpful treatment for dry eye, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• This is a newer agent, and its availability in India is currently limited. Your ophthalmologist may discuss alternative treatments that are more readily available.
• Rebamipide ophthalmic is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
• Do not self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
• This page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription.
• It is not currently approved or routinely available in India. It is included here for reference. Please ask your ophthalmologist about approved alternatives that are available.

Always inform your ophthalmologist about any other eye drops or medicines you are using, as well as any allergies or existing medical conditions you may have. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a very common condition that affects millions of people, especially in countries like India where environmental factors such as dust, pollution, and air conditioning can play a significant role. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they do produce are not of the right quality and evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes moist, clear, and protected from infection. They consist of three main layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucin layer. When any of these layers are deficient or out of balance, dry eye symptoms can develop.

Common symptoms of dry eye include a gritty or sandy sensation, burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision (especially after reading or using a computer), sensitivity to light, and sometimes even watery eyes (as a reflex to irritation). While it can be uncomfortable, dry eye disease is usually manageable with proper treatment. Your ophthalmologist will perform tests to determine the cause and severity of your dry eye and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include eye drops like Rebamipide, lifestyle adjustments, or other therapies. It’s important to remember that dry eye is often a chronic condition, meaning it may require ongoing management.

How to Correctly Instil Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for them to be effective and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
2. Check the Bottle: Ensure the bottle is not expired and the tip is clean. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye or fingers, to avoid contamination.
3. Shake if Needed: If your eye drop is a suspension (like Rebamipide ophthalmic), gently shake the bottle a few times before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed.
4. Position Yourself: Tilt your head back or lie down. Gently pull your lower eyelid down with one finger to create a small pocket.
5. Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle above your eye, looking upwards. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket you created. Do not let the tip touch your eye or eyelashes.
6. Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out. You can also gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) to help keep the drop in your eye and prevent it from draining too quickly.
7. Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
8. Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.

If you need to use 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 Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and following general care practices can significantly help manage dry eye and prevent complications. Always store your eye drops as instructed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections.

It’s important to be aware of when to seek professional medical advice. If your dry eye symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or if you experience new symptoms such as severe pain, sudden vision changes, discharge from the eye, or increased redness, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of an infection or another underlying eye condition that requires prompt attention. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are also crucial to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Remember, your eye health is paramount, and timely professional care can make a significant difference in managing dry eye disease effectively and maintaining good vision.

Frequently asked questions

What is Rebamipide ophthalmic used for?

Rebamipide ophthalmic eye drops are used to treat dry eye disease, specifically when there is a deficiency of mucin on the surface of the eye.

How does Rebamipide ophthalmic work?

Rebamipide ophthalmic works by increasing the production of mucin on the ocular (eye) surface. Mucin is a vital part of your tear film that helps keep your eyes moist and protected.

What are the common brands of Rebamipide ophthalmic available in India?

Mucosta ophthalmic is a brand of Rebamipide ophthalmic, but its availability in India is limited. This medicine is not routinely available or approved in India, and your ophthalmologist may discuss approved alternatives.

How should I use Rebamipide ophthalmic eye drops?

The typical dosing is 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 4 times a day. Always follow the specific instructions given by your ophthalmologist.

Do I need a prescription for Rebamipide ophthalmic?

Yes, Rebamipide ophthalmic 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 Rebamipide ophthalmic?

Rebamipide ophthalmic is a newer agent with limited availability in India. It is a prescription medicine and should only be used as directed by your ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This medicine is not currently approved or routinely available in India, so discuss approved alternatives with your doctor.

References

1. Rebamipide ophthalmic suspension for the treatment of dry eye syndrome: a critical appraisal – PMC
2. Novel dry eye drug found safe, effective – American Academy of Ophthalmology
3. Dry Eye – National Eye Institute
4. Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
5. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization

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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.