Brolene 0.1% Eye Drops 10ml

What Are Brolene Eye Drops and How Do They Help?

Brolene eye drops are a trusted over-the-counter treatment for minor bacterial eye infections, including conjunctivitis (commonly known as "pink eye"). Each 10ml bottle contains propamidine isethionate 0.1%, an antiseptic agent with a long history of use in UK pharmacy practice. If your eyes are red, sticky, or uncomfortable — and you're wondering whether you need a prescription — the good news is that Brolene is available without one for adults and children over 2 years of age. You can browse our full range of eye care products at Cured Pharmacy if you're looking for additional support alongside treatment.

Minor eye infections are surprisingly common. The NHS estimates that conjunctivitis affects millions of people in the UK each year, and most cases resolve with appropriate antiseptic or antibiotic treatment. Brolene offers a convenient first-line option when symptoms are mild and there's no sign of a more serious underlying condition.

How Do Brolene Eye Drops Work Against Eye Infections?

The active ingredient, propamidine isethionate, belongs to a class of compounds called diamidines. It works by disrupting the integrity of bacterial cell membranes, which ultimately kills the bacteria responsible for the infection. It is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria commonly associated with superficial eye infections.

• Propamidine isethionate penetrates the outer layers of bacterial cells
• It interferes with cell membrane function, causing leakage of cellular contents
• Bacteria are unable to survive this disruption, clearing the infection from the eye surface
• The antiseptic action is localised to the eye, minimising systemic absorption

Who Should Use Brolene Eye Drops?

Brolene is suitable for adults and children aged 2 years and over who are experiencing mild symptoms of a bacterial eye infection. It is not appropriate for viral or allergic conjunctivitis — if you're unsure which type you have, a pharmacist can help you decide. If symptoms are severe, involve vision changes, or affect a newborn, you should seek medical advice rather than self-treating.

• Adults with mild bacterial conjunctivitis
• Children aged 2 years and over (with parental supervision)
• People who need a quick, prescription-free option for a minor eye infection
• Those who have previously used propamidine isethionate without adverse reactions

How Do Brolene Eye Drops Compare to Chloramphenicol Eye Drops?

How Should You Store Brolene Eye Drops and Are They Safe Long-Term?

Store your bottle of Brolene eye drops below 25°C, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Once opened, the drops should be discarded after 28 days — even if liquid remains — to reduce the risk of contamination and secondary infection. Always check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use.

If you are managing multiple eye care products or have a history of recurrent eye infections, it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist about longer-term management. You might also find it helpful to explore our allergy and hay fever range if seasonal allergies are contributing to your eye symptoms, as allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis can sometimes occur together.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Brolene 0.1% Eye Drops and What Is It Used For?

Brolene 0.1% Eye Drops contain the active ingredient propamidine isethionate, an antiseptic used to treat minor bacterial infections of the eye and eyelids. It is most commonly used for bacterial conjunctivitis — an infection that causes redness, discharge, and crusting around the eye. The drops work on the surface of the eye and are not absorbed into the bloodstream in any meaningful quantity, making them suitable for short-term self-treatment in most healthy adults and children over 2 years.

Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria typically presents with a yellow or green sticky discharge, particularly in the morning. If your symptoms match this description and are mild, Brolene eye drops may be an appropriate first-line treatment. However, if you experience pain, sensitivity to light, or any change in vision, you should seek medical attention promptly rather than self-treating.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Brolene Eye Drops?

Before using these drops, it's important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not use Brolene eye drops if any of the following apply:

• You are allergic to propamidine isethionate or any other ingredient in the formulation
• You are wearing soft contact lenses (the preservative benzalkonium chloride can damage soft lens material)
• The affected person is under 2 years of age
• You have a penetrating eye injury or foreign body in the eye
• You have been diagnosed with a viral or fungal eye infection — Brolene is not effective against these
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — seek pharmacist or GP advice before use

There are no widely documented significant drug interactions with Brolene eye drops at standard OTC doses. However, if you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, allow at least 5 minutes between applications to avoid diluting either product. Known interactions to be aware of include:

• Other topical ophthalmic preparations — stagger application times
• Soft contact lenses — remove before use and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting

How Should You Use Brolene Eye Drops?

Always follow the instructions on the packaging or as directed by your pharmacist. The standard method of application is as follows:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle
2. Tilt your head back slightly and look upward
3. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
4. Hold the bottle above the eye without touching the tip to your eye or eyelid
5. Squeeze one to two drops into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid
6. Close your eye gently and press lightly on the inner corner for one minute to prevent the drops draining away
7. Repeat in the other eye if both are affected
8. Replace the cap immediately after use

If you are also managing other eye conditions, our eye care collection includes a range of products that may complement your treatment plan.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Brolene Eye Drops?

Like all medicines, Brolene eye drops can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Temporary stinging or burning sensation immediately after instillation
• Mild eye irritation or discomfort
• Transient blurred vision immediately after application

Less common side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people):

• Localised allergic reaction — redness, swelling, or itching around the eye
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Prolonged or worsening redness of the eye

Stop using the drops and seek medical advice immediately if you experience severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. These reactions are rare but require prompt attention.

How Should You Store Brolene Eye Drops?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness and sterility of the drops. If you're managing several medicines at home, it's worth reviewing your storage habits for all of them — including any first aid products you keep in your medicine cabinet.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Discard the bottle 28 days after first opening, even if drops remain
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label