What drugs cause bags under eyes?
Under-eye bags may be caused by, among other things, lack of sleep or decreased skin tone. So, any drug that disrupts your sleep or lessens skin tone may contribute to developing under-eye bags. There is extremely limited information in the medical literature addressing this issue.
Under-eye bags are not a symptom that would typically be monitored during clinical trials of a new medicine. Therefore, this information is unlikely to be listed in a drug’s product information.
Bags under the eyes are the result of sagging skin. They can occur for many reasons, including:
- Aging
- Allergies
- Decreased skin tone
- Fluid retention
- Heredity
- Lack of sleep
- Smoking tobacco
Although they may be cosmetically displeasing, under-eye bags are not typically a sign of serious illness.
Angioedema
Under-eye puffiness should not be confused with facial or eye swelling, which could be a different symptom called angioedema. Angioedema is local swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and/or mucous membranes, including the gastrointestinal tract and upper airway. It can affect any part of your body, but it has a tendency to affect areas with loose connective tissue, especially the lips, tongue and around the eyes.
Angioedema can occur as a side effect (not related to an allergy) of some medications. When this happens, it tends to develop slowly. Medicines in the class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) have been associated with angioedema.
Angioedema may also be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to foods or drugs. When it occurs as part of an allergic reaction, it tends to develop rapidly.
How to minimize bags under the eyes
Recommendations to minimize under-eye bags include:
- Apply cool compresses
- Get enough sleep
- Reduce allergy symptoms
- Limit salt and water intake before bed
- Stop smoking
- Discuss other options with an eye or skin doctor
If you start a new medicine and you feel it is causing puffiness or swelling around your eyes, contact the person who prescribed the medicine for you.
Related questions
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Bags under the eyes. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes. [Accessed June 14, 2021].
- Andersen MF, Longhurst HJ, Rasmussen ER, Bygum A. How Not to Be Misled by Disorders Mimicking Angioedema: A Review of Pseudoangioedema. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2016;169:163-170. https://doi.org/10.1159/000445835
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lotensin. Updated 2019. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/019851s054lbl.pdf. [Accessed June 18, 2021].
Read next
What are anti-VEGF drugs (VEGF inhibitors)?
Anti-VEGF drugs slow the abnormal growth of blood vessels associated with certain cancers and degenerative eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration. Anti-VEGF stands for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Continue reading
What is the difference between Cequa and Restasis?
Both Cequa and Restasis are eye drops that contain cyclosporine. They are used to increase tear production in patients with dry eye disease (medically called keratoconjunctivitis sicca). However, Cequa incorporates a novel nanomicellar technology of cyclosporine A to allow delivery of high concentrations of the medication into the eye. Restasis is not manufactured using nanomicellar technology. Nanomicellar technology can help deliver poorly water-soluble drugs into the eye and protect the drug molecule. Continue reading
Can Restasis damage your eyes?
Restasis can damage your eyes if you touch the tip of the vial or multi-dose bottle to your eye. Doing so may cause inflammation in the eye, or it can lead to an eye infection. Avoid touching the tip of your Restasis container to your eye to prevent contamination and damage to your eye. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Can I use expired neomycin and polymyxin b sulfates, dexamethasone ophthalmic?
- Is pink eye (conjunctivitis) a sign of COVID-19?
- What Vaccines do I need if I'm over 50?
- Does Beovu help with wet AMD?
- Does Tyrvaya reduce inflammation?
- Poison Ivy
- What are the differences between Iluvien, Retisert and Yutiq intravitreal implants?
- Pink Eye - what you need to know
- How is brolucizumab administered?
- What eye condition is Oxervate used to treat?
- What do I need to know about Medications/Vaccinations before I Travel?
Related support groups
- Eye Conditions (88 questions, 219 members)