Quick answers
- What is Polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol used for?
- The Drug Facts label of Leader Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops (Cardinal Health) lists these uses: for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye.
- Do I need a prescription for Polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol?
- No. The products on this page are sold without a prescription (over the counter).
- Is a store brand the same as the name brand?
- Products listed together below have the same active ingredients, in the same amount and the same form, as registered with the FDA. Inactive ingredients (such as colors, flavors and fillers) and package sizes can differ. Compare the “Active ingredient” box on both packages, and ask a pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Has Polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol been recalled?
- FDA enforcement reports list 7 recalls of products on this page; the newest started September 11, 2026. A recall usually concerns specific products or lots, not every brand.
Drug Facts label
Every over-the-counter medicine must carry a “Drug Facts” box in the same order, set by FDA rules. Below is the label of one product for each common strength and form, quoted word for word. Your own package can differ (for example, children’s products have other directions): always follow the label on your package.
Leader Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops · Cardinal Health
Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% · Propylene glycol 0.3%, solution/ drops (ophthalmic)
Active ingredient
Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% Propylene glycol 0.3%
Purpose
Polyethylene glycol 400............. Lubricant Propylene glycol............ Lubricant
Uses
- for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye
Warnings
For external use only
Do not use
- if this product changes color or becomes cloudy
- if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product
When using this product
- do not touch the tip of container to any surface to avoid contamination
- replace cap after each use
Stop use and ask a doctor if
- you feel eye pain
- changes in vision occur
- redness or irritation of the eye(s) gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Directions
- Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
- Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor
Other information
RETAIN THIS CARTON FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Store at room temperature
Inactive ingredients
Aminomethylpropanol, benzalkonium chloride as preservative, boric acid, hypromellose, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium chloride, sorbitol
— FDA label of Leader Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops, Cardinal Health, effective March 12, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
Systane Hydration Pf Preservative Free · Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL, solution/ drops (ophthalmic)
Active ingredient
Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant
Purpose
Active Ingredients Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant
Uses
for use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye
Warnings
For external use only
Do not use
if this product changes color or becomes cloudy if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product
When using this product
do not touch tip of container to any surface to avoid contamination replace cap after each use
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you experience any of the following: eye pain changes in vision continued redness or irritation of the eye condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. see side of carton for directions for use
Other information
store at room temperature
Inactive ingredients
aminomethylpropanol, boric acid, hydroxypropyl guar, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium borate, sodium chloride, sodium hyaluronate, sorbitol. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.
Questions?
In the U.S. call 1 (800) 757-9195 www.systane.com alcon.medinfo@alcon.com Directions for Use: Hold the bottle just below the cap and twist the cap to open. BEFORE FIRST USE , hold the bottle upside down and dispense one drop of product to discard. Shake the bottle downward to remove residual product (see picture). Place 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and blink. After use, shake the bottle downward to remove residual product that may be left on the tip (see picture above). Replace cap after use. Discard 90 days after opening.
— FDA label of Systane Hydration Pf Preservative Free, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., effective August 10, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
CVS Lubricant Eye Drops Original · Cvs
Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% · Propylene glycol 0.3%, solution (ophthalmic)
Active ingredient
Polyethylene glycol 400.....0.4% Propylene glycol.................0.3%
Purpose
Polyethylene glycol 400....Lubricant Propylene glycol................Lubricant
Uses
for the temporary relief of burning and irritation of the eye due to dryness of the eye
Warnings
For external use only
Do not use
if this solution changes or becomes cloudy if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product
When using this product
do not touch tip of container to any surface to avoid contamination replace cap after each use
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you feel eye pain changes in vision occur redness or irritation of the eye(s) gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours
If pregnant or breast-feeding
ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Directions
instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
Other information
store at 15º-25º (59º-77 F) use only if single-use container is intact use before expiration date marked on container RETAIN THIS CARTON FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Inactive ingredients
boric acid, hydrochloric acid**, hypromellose, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide** **May contain these ingredients to adjust pH.
— FDA label of CVS Lubricant Eye Drops Original, Cvs, effective December 30, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →
Dry eye relief · Cardinal Health 110, LLC. DBA Leader
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL, gel (ophthalmic)
Active ingredient
Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant
Purpose
Active Ingredients Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant
Uses
- for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye
- for use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye
Warnings
For external use only
Do not use
- if this product changes color or becomes cloudy
- if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product
When using this product
- do not touch tip of container to any surface to avoid contamination
- replace cap after each use
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you experience any of the following:
- you feel eye pain
- changes in vision
- continued redness or irritation of the eye
- condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
- shake well before using
- put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
Other information
- store at room temperature
Inactive ingredients
boric acid, edetate disodium , potassium chloride, mangnesium chloride , sodium chloride, sodium borate , purified water. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.
— FDA label of Dry eye relief, Cardinal Health 110, LLC. DBA Leader, effective September 12, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →
Lubricant Eye Drops Solution · AvPAK
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL, solution (ophthalmic)
Active ingredient
Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant
Purpose
Active Ingredients Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant
Uses
For the temporary relief of burning, irritation and discomfort due to dryness of the eye and exposure to wind or sun. May be used as a protectant against further irritation.
Warnings
For use in the eyes only
Do not use
If solution changes color or becomes cloudy.
When using this product
avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface replace cap after use
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222)
Directions
shake well before use instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
Other information
store at room temperature 15°- 30°C (59°-86°F). do not use if imprinted seal on cap is torn, broken or missing discard 90 days after opening retain outer carton for full product information
Inactive ingredients
Benzalkonium chloride (preservative), boric acid, calcium chloride, hypromellose, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium chloride, zinc chloride. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.
Questions?
1-855-361-3993 Distributed by: AvKARE Pulaski, TN 38478 www.avkare.com Rev. 12/2022 AV 12/2022
— FDA label of Lubricant Eye Drops Solution, AvPAK, effective January 8, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
Retaine Ultra PF · OCuSOFT LLC
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL, liquid (ophthalmic)
Active ingredient
Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 (0.4%).................. Lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3%............................... Lubricant
Uses
relieves dryness of the eye. for the temporary relief of burning, irritation and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to the wind and sun. may be used as a protectant against further irritation.
Warnings
For use in the eyes only. Retain outer carton for full product drug facts.
Do not use
if this product changes color or becomes cloudy. if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product.
When using this product
do not touch tip of container to any surface to avoid contamination. remove contact lenses replace cap after each use. do not deliver more than 6 consecutive drops.
Stop use and ask a doctor if
you feel eye pain. changes in vision occur. redness or irritation of the eye(s) gets worse, persists or lasts more than 72 hours. Keep this in all drugs out of the reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
Other information
store at room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
Inactive ingredients
Aminomethyl propanol, boric acid, Gelrite gellan gum, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, potassium chloride, water for injection, sodium chloride, sorbitol. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.
Questions?
and comments? Call (800) 233-5469 M-F 8:30AM-5:00PM CST or visit ocusoft.com
— FDA label of Retaine Ultra PF, OCuSOFT LLC, effective April 13, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
This page is not medical advice. Read the label on your package, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure a medicine is right for you, for your child, or with your other medicines.
Same medicine, other brands
Each group lists the products that have exactly the same active ingredients, in the same amount and form, as registered with the FDA (NDC Directory). A store brand in the same group has the same medicine as the name brand; inactive ingredients, flavors and package sizes can differ. Each product links to its own official label.
Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% · Propylene glycol 0.3% · solution/ drops (ophthalmic) · 31 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Archies Dry Eye Relief | Archie's Remedies | DailyMed |
| Avenova Lubricant Eye Drops High Performance | NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | DailyMed |
| CorneaCare Recover Lubricant Eye Drops | CorneaCare Inc. | DailyMed |
| CVS Health Fast Acting Lubricant Eye Drops | CVS Pharmacy, Inc. | DailyMed |
| CVS Hydration Eye Drops | Cvs | DailyMed |
| Equate Lubricant Eye Drops | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Equate Lubricant Eye Drops | Walmart, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Equate Lubricant Eye Drops High Performance | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Exchange Select High Performance Lubricant Eye Drops | Army and Air Force Exchange Service | DailyMed |
| Foster and Thrive Long Lasting Lubricant Eye Drops | Strategic Sourcing Services LLC | DailyMed |
| Foster and Thrive Lubricating Tears Lubricant Eye Drops | Strategic Sourcing Services LLC | DailyMed |
| Harris Teeter Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops | Harris Teeter, LLC. | DailyMed |
| Health Mart Lubricating Tears | Strategic Sourcing Services LLC | DailyMed |
| Kroger High Performance Lubricant Eye Drops | Kroger | DailyMed |
| Leader Lubricant Eye Drops 30ct | Cardinal Health 110, LLC. DBA Leader | DailyMed |
| Leader Preservative-Free Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops | Cardinal Health | DailyMed |
| Leader Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops | Cardinal Health | DailyMed |
| Medics Choice Fresh and Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops | KC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Meijer Lubricant Eye Drops | Meijer Distribution, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Meijer Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops High Performance | Meijer Distribution, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Publix High Performance Eye Drops | Publix Super Markets, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Quality Choice Lubricant Eye Drops High Performance | Chain Drug Marketing Assoc., Inc. | DailyMed |
| Quality Choice Lubricant Eye Drops Long Lasting | Chain Drug Marketing Assoc., Inc. | DailyMed |
| Rite Aid Hydration Lubricant Eye Drops | Rite Aid Corporation | DailyMed |
| Signature Care Eye Drops High Performance | Better Living Brands LLC | DailyMed |
Showing 25 of 30 brands.
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL · solution/ drops (ophthalmic) · 9 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Systane | Alcon Research Ltd | DailyMed |
| Systane Hydration Pf Preservative Free | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Systane Lubricant | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Systane ULTRA | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Systane Ultra Preservative Free | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Walgreens Lubricant | Walgreens | DailyMed |
| Walgreens Ultra Lubricant | Walgreens | DailyMed |
Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% · Propylene glycol 0.3% · solution (ophthalmic) · 5 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Lubricant Eye Drops Original | Cvs | DailyMed |
| DG Lubricant Eye Drops | Dolgencorp LLC | DailyMed |
| GoodSense Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops | Geiss, Destin & Dunn, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Signature Care Lubricant Eye Drops Long Lasting | Better Living Brands, LLC | DailyMed |
| Topcare Health Lubricant Eye Drops | Topco Assoc LLC | DailyMed |
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL · gel (ophthalmic) · 3 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Dry eye relief | Cardinal Health 110, LLC. DBA Leader | DailyMed |
| GenTeal Tears Gel Drops | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Systane | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | DailyMed |
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL · solution (ophthalmic) · 1 product
Polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · Propylene glycol 3 mg/mL · liquid (ophthalmic) · 1 product
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Retaine Ultra PF | OCuSOFT LLC | DailyMed |
What pharmacies pay (NADAC)
The National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) is the average price U.S. retail pharmacies paid to buy one unit of a medicine (one tablet, one mL or one gram), from a monthly survey of pharmacy invoices by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Medicaid programs use it to pay pharmacies.
This is not the price you pay. What you pay depends on your insurance (copay or coinsurance), your pharmacy and any discounts, and pharmacies also charge for filling a prescription. Ask your pharmacist or your health plan what your price will be.
| Strength and form | Generic or brand | Pharmacies pay |
|---|---|---|
| polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% · propylene glycol 0.3% solution/ drops | Generic | $0.2069–$0.2121 per unit 2 packages, lowest to highest |
| polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% · propylene glycol 0.3% solution/ drops | Generic | $0.3625 per mL |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL gel | Brand: GenTeal Tears Gel Drops | $1.09 per mL |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL gel | Brand: Systane | $1.13 per mL |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL solution | Generic | $0.3625 per mL |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL solution/ drops | Brand: Systane Hydration Pf Preservative Free | $0.4665 per unit |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL solution/ drops | Brand: Systane Hydration Pf Preservative Free | $1.15 per mL |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL solution/ drops | Brand: Systane Lubricant | $0.5671–$0.7026 per mL 2 packages, lowest to highest |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL solution/ drops | Brand: Systane Ultra | $0.5887–$1.09 per mL 4 packages, lowest to highest |
| polyethylene glycol 400 4 mg/mL · propylene glycol 3 mg/mL solution/ drops | Brand: Systane Ultra Preservative Free | $1.15 per mL |
NADAC list of November 4, 2026; these prices took effect between April 22, 2026 and October 21, 2026. Shown only where a package’s NDC code matches the NADAC list exactly, and only for that exact strength and form: nothing is averaged across strengths. Strengths and forms not listed here have no NADAC price.
Source: NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) 2026, data.medicaid.gov (CMS) →
Companies that sell this medicine
The company named on the package (maker or distributor), as listed in the FDA NDC Directory, with its number of over-the-counter products of this medicine.
- Alcon Laboratories, Inc.8 products
- Strategic Sourcing Services LLC5 products
- Walgreens2 products
- Target Corporation2 products
- Better Living Brands, LLC2 products
- Cardinal Health 110, LLC. DBA Leader2 products
- Chain Drug Marketing Assoc., Inc.2 products
- Cvs2 products
- Cardinal Health2 products
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.2 products
- Meijer Distribution, Inc.2 products
- Walgreen Company2 products
- AvPAK1 product
- NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.1 product
- OCuSOFT LLC1 product
- Publix Super Markets, Inc.1 product
- Archie's Remedies1 product
- Rite Aid Corporation1 product
- Kroger1 product
- Army and Air Force Exchange Service1 product
- KC Pharmaceuticals, Inc.1 product
- CorneaCare Inc.1 product
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.1 product
- Harris Teeter, LLC.1 product
- Walmart, Inc.1 product
- Dolgencorp LLC1 product
- Geiss, Destin & Dunn, Inc.1 product
- Topco Assoc LLC1 product
- Alcon Research Ltd1 product
Recalls
From FDA enforcement reports, matched by the product’s NDC code or label. A recall usually covers specific products or lots: check the name and lot number on your package.
-
September 11, 2026 · Class II · Ongoing · D-0009-2027
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Sterile High Performance Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops (Polyethylene Glycol 400, 0.4% Relieves Dry and Irritated Eyes) Product size: 0.5 fl oz (15 mL); a) LEADER, DISTRIBUTED BY CARDINAL HEALTH, DUBLIN, OHIO 43017, www.myl — K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
-
March 3, 2026 · Class II · Ongoing · D-0412-2026
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops (polyethylene 400 0.4%, propylene glycol 0.3%), Sterile, 0.5 FL OZ (15mL) bottles; a) LEADER, DISTRIBUTED BY CARDINAL HEALTH, DUBLIN, OHIO 43017, www.myleader.com, NDC 70000-0457-1; b) Harris — K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc
-
March 3, 2026 · Class II · Ongoing · D-0409-2026
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Sterile EYE DROPS AC (tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%, zinc sulfate 0.25%), 0.5 fl. oz. (15 mL) bottles; a) Best Choice, PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY: VALU MERCHANDISERS, CO., 5000 KANSAS AVE, KANSAS CITY, KS 66106, UPC 0 70038 470 — K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc
-
April 23, 2025 · Class II · Ongoing · D-0407-2025
cGMP deviations and lack of assurance of sterility.
Lubricant Eye Drops Solution, Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Eye Lubricant, Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Lubricant, Lubricant Eye Drops, Moisturizing, Sterile, 0.5 FL OZ (15mL) per dropper bottle, Distributed by: AvKARE, Pula — BRS Analytical Services, LLC
-
November 13, 2023 · Class I · Ongoing · D-0295-2024
Non-Sterility
Leader brand Dry Eye Relief (Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4% and Propylene glycol 0.3%) packaged in 0.33 FL OZ (10 mL) bottles, Distributed by Cardinal Health Dublin, Ohio 43017, NDC 70000-0088-1 — Kilitch Healthcare India Limited
-
October 31, 2023 · Class I · Ongoing · D-0135-2024
Non-Sterility: FDA found insanitary conditions and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling at the manufacturing facility.
LEADER brand Dry Eye Relief (Polyethylene Glycol 400, 0.4% Propylene Glycol, 0.3%); 0.33 FL OZ (10 mL) dropper bottle, Sterile, Distributed By Cardinal Health, Dublin, Ohio 43017, Made in India NDC: 70000-0088-1 — Cardinal Health Inc.
-
June 29, 2022 · Class II · Terminated · D-1314-2022
CGMP Deviations: products were stored outside the drug label specifications.
Systane, Lubricant Eye Drops, Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% Lubricant, Propylene Glycol 0.3% Lubricant, Original, Long Lasting Dry Eye Relief, Sterile, a) 15 mL (0.5 FL OZ) NDC 0065-0429-15, b) 30 mL (1 FL OZ) NDC 0065-04 — Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office
Next steps
- Find a pharmacy near youA pharmacist can answer questions about this label
- SystaneBrand page: products, maker and price
- GenTeal TearsBrand page: products, maker and price
- Latest FDA drug recallsPrescription and over-the-counter, newest first
- All over-the-counter medicinesSearch by ingredient, brand or Spanish name
Sources
- Drug labeling (SPL, openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- FDA rule for the Drug Facts label (21 CFR 201.66)
Only medicines marketed under FDA rules for nonprescription drugs (an FDA monograph or an FDA approval) are listed. Homeopathic products are not listed: the FDA does not evaluate them for safety or effectiveness.