Can eye drops make your stomach upset?: Exploring the Connection

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that a surprising amount of medication from eye drops is absorbed systemically? This drainage into the nasal cavity can lead to the medication being swallowed, which sometimes raises the question: Can eye drops make your stomach upset? The answer depends on the type of medication and how it is administered.

Quick Summary

Eye drops can lead to stomach upset if the medication is absorbed systemically through the nasolacrimal duct. Proper administration techniques can minimize systemic absorption, which is key to avoiding potential gastrointestinal side effects. Specific types of medication carry different risks.

Key Points

Systemic Absorption is the Cause: A portion of eye drops can travel through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity and be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic side effects like stomach upset.
Specific Medications Carry Risk: Certain prescription drugs, such as beta-blockers (e.g., timolol) for glaucoma, have a documented, though rare, link to gastrointestinal issues from systemic absorption.
Proper Technique is Crucial: Using techniques like nasolacrimal occlusion (gently pressing the inner corner of the eye) and eyelid closure after application can significantly reduce systemic absorption.
Accidental Ingestion is a Major Risk: Accidental or intentional swallowing of decongestant eye drops (e.g., Visine) containing tetrahydrozoline is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning, including nausea and vomiting.
OTC Lubricants Pose Minimal Risk: Simple lubricating or artificial tear drops are unlikely to cause stomach upset through systemic absorption, as they typically do not contain active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Individual Sensitivity Varies: Some people are more sensitive to medication side effects than others, and a mild upset stomach might occur even with minimal systemic absorption.

While most people consider eye drops to be a local treatment, the reality is that the medication they contain can and does enter the bloodstream. This systemic absorption is the primary reason behind the potential for side effects in other parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The connection between eye drops and an upset stomach, while not universal, is a legitimate concern for certain medications and in specific situations.

The Unintended Journey: How Eye Drops Reach Your System

To understand why eye drops might affect your stomach, it's essential to know their journey through the body. When you place a drop in your eye, it doesn't just stay put. The eye has a natural drainage system called the nasolacrimal apparatus, consisting of small holes in the eyelids (puncta) that lead to the nasolacrimal duct.

Drainage: The excess fluid, along with the medication, drains from the eye through the puncta into the nasal cavity.
Absorption: Once in the nasal cavity, the drug is exposed to the highly vascular nasal mucosa, where it can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Swallowing: Any medication that isn't absorbed through the nasal lining will drain to the back of the throat and be swallowed, entering the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

This bypasses the liver's initial processing, a phenomenon known as first-pass metabolism, which can lead to higher concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream and increase the likelihood of systemic side effects. For individuals with a sensitivity to the medication, this can trigger nausea, an upset stomach, or other GI issues.

Medications and Their Link to Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Different classes of eye drops carry varying risks for causing stomach upset. Most minor irritation is not related to systemic absorption, but for certain prescriptions, it is a known, albeit rare, possibility.

Prescription Medications

Beta-blockers: Used to treat glaucoma, some ophthalmic beta-blockers like timolol can cause systemic side effects. While gastrointestinal issues are rare, cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported. This is due to the drug's effects on systemic beta-receptors, not just ocular ones.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs): Topical NSAID eye drops, used for postoperative inflammation, have a rare risk of causing systemic side effects, including GI disturbances.
Other Medications: Some other prescription drops, though less common, can have systemic effects. For example, certain medications can impact gastric acid secretions, potentially leading to GI distress.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Most over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears and lubricating drops pose a minimal risk of causing an upset stomach, as they do not contain pharmacologically active ingredients that affect the GI tract. However, certain OTC decongestant eye drops, such as those containing tetrahydrozoline (found in brands like Visine), are different.

It's a common misconception that ingesting these drops causes only diarrhea. In reality, oral ingestion of tetrahydrozoline is extremely dangerous and can cause severe, life-threatening symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, seizures, and even a coma. This is not a side effect of proper use but a result of deliberate or accidental poisoning.

Factors that Influence Systemic Absorption

Several factors can increase the amount of medication absorbed systemically and, therefore, the risk of side effects:

Incorrect Administration Technique: Blinking excessively or failing to use nasolacrimal occlusion can increase drainage and systemic absorption.
Higher Dosage: Using more drops than prescribed, or drops with a higher concentration, increases the total amount of medication entering your system.
Individual Sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to a particular drug, experiencing side effects at levels that others can tolerate without issue.

Proper Administration to Minimize Systemic Effects

To maximize the intended effect on the eye and minimize the risk of systemic side effects, proper administration is crucial. Follow these steps:

Lie down or tilt your head back: This helps the drop stay in the eye longer.
Use one drop only: The eye can't hold more than one drop at a time, and the excess just drains away.
Use Nasolacrimal Occlusion: After applying the drop, press gently on the inner corner of your eyelid, next to your nose, for at least 1-3 minutes. This closes the tear duct and prevents drainage.
Close your eyes gently: Keep your eyes closed for a couple of minutes without blinking. This also reduces drainage.
Wait between drops: If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between applications.

Common Eye Drop Types and GI Side Effect Potential


Eye Drop Type	Example Medications	Typical GI Side Effect Risk (Proper Use)	GI Side Effect Risk (Oral Ingestion)
Prescription Beta-blockers	Timolol, Betaxolol	Low (Rare cases of nausea/vomiting)	High (Potentially severe systemic effects)
Prescription NSAIDs	Ketorolac, Diclofenac	Very Low (Rarely reported)	High (Potential for severe systemic effects)
OTC Redness Relievers	Tetrahydrozoline (Visine)	Extremely Low	Extremely High (Poisoning, severe nausea/vomiting, coma)
OTC Artificial Tears	Carboxymethylcellulose	None	None
Prescription Antibiotics	Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin	Very Low (Not typically associated with stomach upset)	High (Antibiotic effects on gut flora, systemic issues)

Conclusion: Can Eye Drops Make Your Stomach Upset?

Yes, it is possible for eye drops to cause an upset stomach, but it is not a common side effect and typically only occurs with certain prescription medications due to systemic absorption. The risk can be significantly minimized by using proper administration techniques, such as nasolacrimal occlusion. For OTC decongestants, the risk of GI issues from proper use is minimal, but accidental or intentional oral ingestion is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience persistent or severe stomach problems after using eye drops, consult with your healthcare provider to investigate potential causes and consider alternative treatments if necessary. For more information on drug safety, consider consulting resources like the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eye drops can enter your stomach through a natural drainage system. After application, excess drops travel through the nasolacrimal ducts from the eye to the nasal cavity and eventually drain into the back of your throat to be swallowed.

Yes. Prescription eye drops, particularly some beta-blockers used for glaucoma and topical NSAIDs, have a higher, though still rare, potential to cause systemic side effects like stomach upset due to systemic absorption. OTC decongestants are highly toxic if ingested orally.

To minimize systemic absorption, use proper application techniques. This includes applying gentle pressure to the inner corner of your eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) and closing your eye for 1-3 minutes after putting in the drops.

Systemic absorption is the small amount of medication that drains through your tear ducts and is absorbed into the bloodstream, which is typically harmless. Oral ingestion is the deliberate swallowing of the drops, which can be highly toxic and dangerous, especially with decongestant eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline.

It is not a common side effect. The levels of antibiotic absorbed systemically through proper eye drop use are usually too low to cause stomach issues. However, accidental or purposeful oral ingestion of high doses could affect gut flora and cause issues.

No. Eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline can cause severe poisoning if swallowed, especially by children. Symptoms can include low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and severe nausea/vomiting. Seek immediate medical help if this occurs.

The risk is generally low, especially if you follow proper administration techniques. However, if you are concerned, speak with your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific medication and health profile to determine if you are at higher risk.