Sodium Propionate
Sodium Propionate is an antimicrobial and antifungal agent used in ophthalmology, primarily as a preservative in eye drop formulations and sometimes as an active ingredient for treating superficial eye infections. Its acidic nature creates an environment hostile to bacterial and fungal growth, making it effective for ocular surface disinfection.
Sodium Propionate is an ophthalmic antimicrobial/preservative agent used for eye infection treatment and formulation preservation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01AX10
- RxNorm
- 56513
- Generic
- Sodium Propionate
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Blu-Kote
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use under physician supervision
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use under physician supervision
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding due to minimal systemic absorption
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
standard dosing applies
standard ophthalmic follow-up
pediatric_age
infantsuse with caution
use only under medical supervision in infants
close ophthalmic monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenno adjustment needed
standard pediatric dosing
routine ophthalmic examination
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
standard dosing
no specific monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
standard dosing due to topical application
no specific monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
standard dosing
no specific monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
standard dosing
no specific monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General preservative use information
Chemical class
Chemical classification information
Common applications
Common therapeutic and industrial applications
Used for the treatment and prevention of superficial eye infections, particularly those involving fungi and certain bacteria. Also serves as a preservative component in multi-dose ophthalmic solutions to maintain sterility during storage and use.
Exerts antimicrobial effects by lowering pH and creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This property helps maintain ocular surface hygiene and treats infected tissues.
For ophthalmic use only; avoid contamination of the dropper tip. Patients with known hypersensitivity to propionates or severe eye conditions should consult a physician before use. May cause temporary stinging upon application. Not suitable for deep intraocular infections.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy