International reference: 1 US FDA recall for this ingredient
cGMP Deviations (calendula)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Ghana.
OPTISOFT COOLING EYE DROPS (Each ml contains Sodium Chloride/Calendula/Hamamelis 0.75%w/v/0.5%w/v/0.5%w/v)
odium Chloride/Calendula/Hamamelis
What it does
Calendula is a natural remedy often used for its healing properties.
Commonly used for: skin irritations, wounds, burns, inflammation
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-05-22 02:34:57 · updated 2026-10-20 04:00:12
About calendula
Calendula is a natural remedy often used for its healing properties.
What it treats
- skin irritations
- wounds
- burns
- inflammation
How it works
Calendula helps to soothe and heal the skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.
Who it's for
It is suitable for adults and children who have minor skin issues.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About hamamelis
Hamamelis is a natural extract commonly used for its soothing properties on the skin.
What it treats
- skin irritation
- hemorrhoids
- inflammation
How it works
Hamamelis helps to reduce swelling and soothe the skin, providing relief from irritation.
Who it's for
Hamamelis is suitable for adults and children experiencing skin discomfort or irritation.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About odium
Sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function in the body.
What it treats
- low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
- fluid balance issues
How it works
Sodium helps control the amount of water in and around your cells, which is vital for overall health.
Who it's for
This is for individuals who have low sodium levels or need to manage their fluid balance.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: calendula
BNF-referencedCalendula, derived from the Calendula officinalis plant, is commonly used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties. It is often utilized in topical formulations to aid the healing of minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations. The active compounds within calendula are thought to promote tissue regeneration and enhance the healing process.
Indications
- Wound healing
- Minor burns
- Skin irritations
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidance.
Adults: For topical application, apply cream, ointment, or gel containing calendula to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily as needed.
Mechanism of action
Calendula exhibits its therapeutic effects through various mechanisms, including the modulation of inflammatory pathways, promotion of wound healing, and antibacterial activity. The flavonoids and triterpenoids in calendula contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing local circulation.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of calendula suggest that its active constituents, particularly flavonoids and saponins, interact with biological membranes and cellular receptors to exert anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Calendula has been shown to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, which are essential processes in wound healing.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of calendula, especially in topical applications, are not well characterized. However, it is believed that the absorption through the skin is minimal, allowing for localized effects at the site of application without significant systemic exposure. The metabolism and excretion pathways of calendula constituents are not fully elucidated.
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions, including skin irritation or dermatitis
- Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea or vomiting
Precautions
- Use with caution in individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family
- Discontinue use if any allergic reactions occur
Pregnancy
There is insufficient reliable information regarding the safety of calendula use during pregnancy. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Breast-feeding
Insufficient data is available on the safety of calendula during breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Topical ointments or creams
- Infusions or teas
- Tinctures
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: hamamelis
Hamamelis, commonly known as witch hazel, is a natural product derived from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant. It is often used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, making it popular in topical preparations for various skin conditions. Its primary use includes treatment for minor skin irritations, bruises, and hemorrhoids.
Indications
- Minor skin irritations
- Bruises
- Hemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
- Skin inflammation
Dosage
Children: For children, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing and formulations based on age and specific condition.
Adults: For topical use, apply hamamelis preparation to the affected area 2-3 times daily, or as needed.
Mechanism of action
The active compounds in hamamelis, including tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils, exert their effects primarily through astringent properties. Tannins precipitate proteins and cause local vasoconstriction, which reduces inflammation and bleeding. This mechanism helps to alleviate symptoms associated with minor skin irritations and hemorrhoids.
Pharmacodynamics
Hamamelis exhibits anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antioxidant effects. Its astringent properties help to reduce swelling and irritation by constricting blood vessels and tissues. Additionally, it may promote healing by reducing local inflammation and increasing tissue resilience.
Pharmacokinetics
Due to its use primarily as a topical preparation, the systemic absorption of hamamelis is minimal. When applied to the skin, its local effects are observed with limited pharmacokinetic data available regarding absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. The active compounds may act locally on the site of application without significant systemic effects.
Adverse effects
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Stomach upset
Precautions
- Use with caution in individuals with known allergies to plants in the Hamamelidaceae family.
- Consult a healthcare provider before use in patients with skin conditions.
Pregnancy
Limited data are available on the safety of hamamelis during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Breast-feeding
Limited data are available on the safety of hamamelis during breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- Topical ointment
- Liquid extract
- Witch hazel pads
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: odium
Odium, more commonly referred to as sodium, is an essential electrolyte in the human body that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the maintenance of fluid balance, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Sodium is primarily found in the extracellular fluid and is vital for osmotic pressure regulation and acid-base balance.
Indications
- Hyponatremia
- Fluid replacement therapy
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Hypertension management
- Heart failure management
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific guidelines based on clinical condition; dosages vary widely depending on the indication and patient status.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines based on clinical condition; dosages vary widely depending on the indication and patient status.
Mechanism of action
Sodium exerts its effects mainly through the modulation of ion channels, particularly the sodium channels in neuronal and muscle cell membranes. It facilitates depolarization of these membranes, which is essential for the generation and conduction of action potentials in neurons and muscle fibers.
Pharmacodynamics
Sodium is critical for maintaining normal cellular function, influencing the excitability of neurons and the contractility of muscles. It regulates blood volume and pressure through its effects on osmotic pressure and fluid retention. Abnormal levels of sodium can lead to various clinical conditions, including hypernatremia or hyponatremia, which can significantly impact cardiovascular and neurological function.
Pharmacokinetics
Sodium is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract and is widely distributed throughout the body. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating sodium balance, with reabsorption occurring primarily in the proximal tubule and loop of Henle. Sodium is excreted in urine, and its levels are tightly controlled by hormonal mechanisms, including the action of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide.
Adverse effects
- Hypertension
- Edema
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Hypernatremia
- Kidney damage
Interactions
- Diuretics may increase the risk of hypernatremia
- NSAIDs may reduce renal blood flow and increase sodium retention
- Corticosteroids may enhance sodium retention and lead to fluid overload
Precautions
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Use with caution in patients with heart failure
- Assess renal function before initiating therapy
- Consider dietary sodium intake
Pregnancy
Sodium is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in normal dietary amounts. High sodium intake may lead to increased blood pressure.
Breast-feeding
Sodium is naturally present in breast milk, and normal dietary intake is considered safe during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral sodium chloride tablets
- Intravenous sodium chloride solution
- Sodium bicarbonate solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: calendula
PubChem CID 260656Molecular formula: C30H50O2
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.