Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Hyetellose, Sodium chloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Minims® Artificial Tears contains a lubricant. It is used as a substitute for natural tears. This medicine is indicated for children, adults and the elderly.
What you need to know before you take it
e your eye drops There are no special precautions which should be taken before using this product. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility You can use Minims® Artificial Tears as it will not harm your baby, and it is safe to use during breastfeeding. Driving and using machines As with all eye drops, your vision may be blurred after putting the drops in. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or using machines.
How to take it
your eye drops The drops are in special single use "Minims" units, to treat both eyes if necessary. Once used, they must be thrown away. Dosage The amount of solution used should be enough to irrigate the eye properly. Method of administration If you are putting the eye drops in yourself, then follow these instructions carefully: 1. Wash your hands. 2. Use a mirror, this will help you to see what you are doing. 3. Twist and pull cap to separate from the Minims body (Diagram 1). 4. Pull your lower eyelid down gently, and then gently squeeze until some liquid falls inside your lower eyelid. Make sure the dropper does not touch any parts of your eye. 5. Close the eyelids. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other eye, then throw away the Minims unit even if some solution remains.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. You may briefly have blurred vision or a slight stinging feeling after using your drops. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via: Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
your eye drops Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the overwrap of each unit and on the carton after the letters "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from light. The drops are in special single use "Minims" units, to treat both eyes if necessary. Once used, they must be thrown away.
Contents of the pack and other information
What your eye drops contain
- The active ingredients are hyetellose and sodium chloride. Each Minims unit contains approximately 0.5 ml eye drops solution of hyetellose 0.44% (2.2 mg) and sodium chloride 0.35% (1.75 mg).
- The other ingredients are borax, boric acid and purified water. This medicine does not contain a preservative as it is a sterile single use unit. One of the active ingredients in this medicine is hyetellose. This is the new name for hydroxyethylcellulose. The ingredient itself has not changed. What your eye drops look like and contents of the pack It is a clear, colourless solution. Each carton contains 20 units. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bausch & Lomb UK Ltd 106 London Road – Kingston-upon-Thames – KT2 6TN – UK Manufacturer: Laboratoire Chauvin Zone Industrielle de Ripotier 50 Avenue Jean Monnet 07200 Aubenas France This leaflet was last revised in: November 2023
Frequently asked questions about Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution
How do I take Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution?
Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution comes as eye drops. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution?
The active substance in Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution is hyetellose, sodium chloride.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: hyetellose, sodium chloride
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the relief of dry eye syndromes associated with deficient tear secretion.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
One or two drops instilled into the affected eye three or four times daily, or as often as is required.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
If irritation persists or worsens or continued redness occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician or ophthalmologist.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
There is no evidence of safety of the drug in human pregnancy but it has been in wide use for many years without apparent ill consequence. If drug therapy is needed in pregnancy this preparation can be used if recommended by a physician and it is considered that the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
May cause transient blurring of vision on instillation. Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery unless vision is clear.
4.8. Undesirable effects
May cause transient mild stinging or temporarily blurred vision.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9. Overdose
Overdose would not be expected to produce symptoms.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Minims Artificial Tears, Eye drops solution. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.