Dosage Details for Upneeq

Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to address drooping eyelids. It’s supplied as eye drops intended for once-daily application.

Upneeq is prescribed for adults with acquired* blepharoptosis, also known as ptosis (sagging eyelids). The condition can affect either one eye or both eyes.

The active component in Upneeq is oxymetazoline hydrochloride. (An active component is the substance that produces a drug’s effects.) Upneeq is part of a class of medicines called alpha adrenoceptor agonists.

This article outlines Upneeq’s dosing, its strength, and directions for use. For more details about Upneeq, consult your healthcare provider.

* “Acquired” means the condition developed after birth.

What is Upneeq’s dosage?

The following section explains common dosing for Upneeq. Continue reading for additional details.

What form does Upneeq come in?

Upneeq is provided as a liquid solution. Each dose is contained in a single-use vial that is sealed inside a pouch. One pouch with its vial is intended for a single administration.

What strength is Upneeq available in?

Upneeq is manufactured in a single concentration: 0.1% oxymetazoline.

What are the typical dosages of Upneeq?

Your prescriber will probably begin treatment with the manufacturer’s recommended dose.

The information below describes commonly used dosing, but always follow the dose your prescriber gives you. They will tailor the dose to your individual needs.

Dosage for blepharoptosis

The standard Upneeq regimen for adults with acquired ptosis (droopy eyelids) is one drop in each affected eye once per day.

If you’re unsure about your dose, discuss it with your prescriber.

Is Upneeq intended for long-term use?

How long you continue Upneeq depends on your clinical situation and your prescriber’s guidance. In a 2021 study, participants used Upneeq once daily for periods ranging from 14 to 84 days.

If you have questions about the expected duration of therapy for your particular case, ask your healthcare provider.

How is Upneeq applied?

Apply one drop of Upneeq to one or both eyes (as instructed by your prescriber) once per day. Avoid letting the dropper touch your eye. Remove contact lenses before using Upneeq, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

For complete application instructions, see the drug’s prescribing information.

After administering Upneeq, discard the single-use vial and its foil pouch. Each vial and pouch pair is for a single use only.

Some people use more than one type of eye medication. If so, separate different eye medication administrations by at least 15 minutes.

For guidance on expiration, storage, and disposal of Upneeq, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible medication containers and labels

Certain pharmacies can supply medication labels that:

• feature large print
• include braille
• offer a scannable code that converts text to audio on a smartphone

Your prescriber or pharmacist may be able to point you to pharmacies that provide these accessibility options if your regular pharmacy does not.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a scheduled dose of Upneeq, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

To help remember your daily dose, consider using a medication reminder such as an alarm or a smartphone reminder app.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to common questions about Upneeq dosing.

How quickly does Upneeq take effect?

Upneeq begins to work after the first application. The time to noticeable effect depends on how severe your condition is and other individual factors.

In clinical studies, many participants showed improvement within 6 hours on the first day of treatment. After 14 days of treatment, improvement was often seen within 2 hours.

Your prescriber will evaluate how well Upneeq is working for you.

If you have further questions about what to expect from Upneeq, speak with your healthcare provider.

Can Upneeq treat dry eyes? If so, what is the dose?

No. Upneeq is not indicated for dry eye treatment.

Dry eye symptoms are usually managed with over-the-counter lubricating drops like artificial tears. Discuss treatment options for dry eyes with your prescriber.

Questions to ask your doctor

The sections above summarize the dosing information provided by Upneeq’s manufacturer. If your prescriber recommends Upneeq, they will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.

Don’t alter your Upneeq dose without your prescriber’s approval. Use Upneeq exactly as directed. If you have concerns about your dose, bring them up with your prescriber.

Examples of questions you might ask include:

• Can I use two drops per day if one drop daily isn’t effective?
• If one eyelid droops more than the other, will the dose differ between eyes?
• If my symptoms improve, will you reduce my Upneeq dose?

For additional information about Upneeq, see the article “Upneeq and Cost: What You Need to Know.”

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Disclaimer: HealthEH has taken care to ensure the information presented is accurate, thorough, and current. However, this article does not replace the expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication. Drug information here may change and does not include every possible use, instruction, precaution, warning, interaction, allergy, or adverse effect. The absence of specific warnings or other information does not imply that a drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or suitable for every patient or use.