Eye drops came to mouth through eyes?

Question

I was using eye drops for allergy, after some time felt bitter taste in my mouth. I unknowingly consumed a little of it. So generally is it OK to consume nasal, eye, ear drops that come in mouth after use. I ask this because an adult can spit it out but kids won't be able to. Are these type of medicines tested for consumption?

Answer 1

Yes. This is safe. Your eyes have a lacrimal duct that drains tears into your throat. When you use eye drops, these will go through the lacrimal ducts as well. When gaining approval through the FDA, researchers and scientists had to evaluate the safety of eye drops even when they drain. Therefore, any eye drop approved by the FDA will be safe. The only effect will be a bad taste. This will be true for ear drops as well since the eustachian tubes drain into the nose and upper throat.