What should you do if a bottle of eye drops is compromised?

• A. Discard the bottle and obtain a new one.
• B. Shake the bottle and use as usual.
• C. Continue using it if the label looks ok.
• D. Return it to storage for later use.

Answer: (A)

When eye drops are compromised, the primary concern is preventing infection and eye irritation by avoiding contaminated meds. A bottle can become compromised if the seal is broken, the cap or dropper is damaged, the contents look cloudy or discolored, or there’s leakage. In any of these cases, sterility is lost, and using the drops could introduce bacteria into the eye or cause irritation, which can lead to more serious eye problems. The safest course is to discard the compromised bottle and obtain a new one from a pharmacy. Shaking, using it because the label seems fine, or keeping it for later use won’t restore safety, since contamination can’t be reliably reversed. After discarding, wash your hands and replace with a fresh bottle, making sure the new container has an intact seal and a valid expiration date.