Dry eyes can be caused by different diseases, problems in the eyelid anatomy or the environment. Another cause of dry eyes is medications--some medications that are prescribed for certain systemic conditions may have dry eye as a side effect. When a patient complains of dry eye symptoms, the doctors should remember to check the medication list and determine if any of the medications may be causing the dry eye symptoms.
Antihistamines
Antihistamine medications can cause dry eyes in someone who does not have the condition, and can make the condition worse in someone who does already have dry eyes. Antihistamines can decrease tear production, as noted on the EyeCare Source website. According to a 2007 article in the "Review of Optometry" journal, oral antihistamines are a main culprit. Examples of antihistamines include diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl, and cetirizine, or Zyrtec.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications have also been associated with dry eye symptoms. According to the EyeCare Source and the Indiana University School of Optometry websites, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like citalopram, or Celexa, and sertraline, or Zoloft, and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline have all been associated with dry eyes in certain patients.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, or Accutane, can also cause dry eye symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, this may be a common problem with patients taking isotreinoin. Dermatologists prescribe this medication to treat severe acne and psoriasis.
Diuretic Medications
Diuretic medications, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure or other heart conditions, can also cause dry eye. Examples of these diuretic medications include furosemide, sold as Lasix; chlorothiazide, sold as Diuril; and hydrochlorothiazide, or Hydrodiuril.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and irregular heart rhythms; side effects of these medications include dry eyes. Two examples of this type of medications are propranolol and atenolol.
Oral Contraceptives/Hormone Replacement Therapy
Birth control pills can cause dry eye symptoms in women, according to MayoClinic.com. The hormonal changes caused by the medication are responsible for the changes in the tear film in these patients. Women who take estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy have a 70 percent higher change of developing dry eyes, according to the National Eye Institute.
