UK Clinical Pharmacy Association

Polyvinyl alcohol

Issues for surgery

For dry eyes - discomfort, soreness and inflammation of ocular surface if omitted.

For corneal epithelial erosion - deterioration in symptoms if omitted.

Advice in the perioperative period

Elective and emergency surgery 

Continue unless the patient is undergoing ophthalmology surgery and the ophthalmologist requests for them to be withheld.

Post-operative advice

Restart post-operatively when next dose is due (unless the patient has undergone ophthalmology surgery and the ophthalmologist requests for them to be withheld).

Interactions with common anaesthetic agents

None.

Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period

None.

Further information

None relevant.

References

Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 5th February 2021]