Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops are a hospital-prepared medicine used to treat chemical burns of the eye, specifically alkali and acid injuries.
| Drug class | Chemical Injury |
|---|---|
| Type | Combination |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 10% each |
| Common Indian brands | Prepared in hospital pharmacy |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital-prepared) |
What Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate is used for
Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops are a specialized medicine used to treat chemical injuries to the eye. These injuries can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.
- Alkali chemical burns of the eye
- Acid chemical burns of the eye
These drops are given after the crucial first aid step of immediate and thorough eye irrigation.
How it works
This medicine combines two active ingredients to help your eye heal after a chemical burn:
- Sodium Citrate: This ingredient works by reducing the harmful activity of certain white blood cells that can cause further damage to the eye after an injury. By calming this destructive process, it helps protect the delicate tissues of your eye.
- Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C): This is a form of Vitamin C, which plays a vital role in the body’s healing processes. In the eye, it helps the cornea – the clear front part of your eye – to rebuild its collagen. Collagen is a key structural protein that gives the cornea its strength and clarity, so rebuilding it is essential for recovery.
Together, these ingredients work to minimize damage and support the natural healing and repair of your eye after a chemical injury.
How it’s used
Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops are administered by a healthcare professional or as directed by your ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic setting. They are not for self-use at home.
The typical dosing for these drops in the acute phase (the initial critical period after the injury) is:
- 1 drop every 1-2 hours
Your doctor will determine the exact schedule and duration of treatment based on the severity of your eye injury and your response to the medicine. It is crucial to follow their instructions precisely to ensure the best possible outcome for your eye.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Prepared in hospital pharmacy
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. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
When dealing with chemical eye injuries and using Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops, please keep the following critical precautions in mind:
- Immediate First Aid is Crucial: For ANY chemical eye injury, the absolute first step is immediate and copious irrigation (flushing) of the eye with clean water. This should be done for at least 20-30 minutes BEFORE travelling to the hospital. These eye drops are given AFTER this vital first aid step.
- Prescription Medicine: This is a prescription eye medicine. It must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
- Hospital-Prepared: These drops are prepared in a hospital pharmacy and are specifically for use under specialist supervision.
- Not for Self-Medication: Do not attempt to self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This medicine is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
- General Education: This page provides general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult your eye doctor for any concerns regarding your eye health.
Understanding Chemical Eye Injuries
A chemical eye injury occurs when a chemical substance, whether it’s an acid or an alkali (base), comes into contact with the eye. These injuries can range from mild irritation to severe damage that can threaten your vision. Alkalis, such as those found in cleaning products, cement, or drain cleaners, are often more dangerous than acids because they can penetrate deeper into the eye tissues, causing ongoing damage even after initial contact. Acids, like those in car batteries or some industrial cleaners, tend to cause more superficial damage but can still be very serious.
The immediate aftermath of a chemical splash can be terrifying. Symptoms often include severe pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. The most critical thing to remember is that time is of the essence. The longer a chemical stays in contact with the eye, the more damage it can cause. This is why immediate first aid, as described below, is paramount.
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, our team of experienced ophthalmologists is equipped to handle such emergencies. After the initial first aid, we conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the injury and provide the most appropriate treatment, which may include specialized medicines like Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops.
How to Correctly Use Eye Drops (General Guidance)
While Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops are administered by professionals, it’s helpful to understand the general principles of using eye drops, as you might receive other drops for your recovery. Proper technique ensures the medicine reaches your eye effectively and minimizes contamination:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
- Check the Bottle: Ensure the bottle is clean and the dropper tip is not damaged. Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, including your eye or fingers.
- Tilt Your Head: Gently tilt your head back and look upwards.
- Create a Pocket: With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle directly over your eye. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket you’ve created. Avoid blinking or touching your eye with the dropper.
- Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for a minute or two. Do not squeeze your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out.
- Clean Up: If any medicine spills onto your face, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
- Repeat if Necessary: If you need to use more than one drop, wait a few minutes between drops to allow the first one to be absorbed.
- Replace Cap: Always replace the cap tightly after use.
Remember, if you are ever unsure about how to use any eye medicine, always ask your doctor or the hospital staff for a demonstration and clear instructions.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial, especially when recovering from an eye injury or using eye medicines. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or eye drop bottles. Store all eye medicines as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not share eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections.
After a chemical eye injury, your recovery will be closely monitored by your ophthalmologist. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments, even if your eye feels better. Your doctor needs to check the healing progress and adjust your treatment if necessary. Be vigilant for any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, discharge, vision changes, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately. Never hesitate to seek professional medical advice if you have concerns about your eye health. Early intervention can make a significant difference in preserving your vision and ensuring a good recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drop used for?
Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops are used to treat chemical burns of the eye, specifically those caused by alkali and acid substances.
How does Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drop work?
Sodium Citrate helps reduce destructive white blood cell activity in the eye after an injury, while Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) helps the cornea rebuild collagen, which is essential for healing and maintaining the eye's structure.
What are the common Indian brands for Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops?
These eye drops are typically prepared in a hospital pharmacy and are not available under specific commercial brand names for purchase outside of a hospital or clinic setting.
How should I use Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops?
These eye drops are administered by a healthcare professional or as directed by your ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic. The typical dosing in the acute phase is 1 drop every 1-2 hours. They are never for self-use at home.
Do I need a prescription for Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops?
Yes, Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops are a prescription medicine and are only given by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting. They are not available for over-the-counter purchase.
What are the key precautions I should know about Sodium Citrate + Sodium Ascorbate eye drops?
The most important precaution for any chemical eye injury is immediate, copious irrigation with clean water for at least 20-30 minutes BEFORE coming to the hospital. These drops are given afterwards. Also, this is a prescription medicine for hospital use only, not for self-medication, and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
References
- Corneal Conditions – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- 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.