Phenylephrine ophthalmic

Generic name: Phenylephrine Ophthalmic
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (10%; 2.5%)

Usage of Phenylephrine ophthalmic

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels.

Phenylephrine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to relieve eye redness, dryness, burning, and irritation caused by wind, sun, and other irritants.

Prescription-strength phenylephrine ophthalmic is used to constrict blood vessels in the eye and to dilate (make bigger) the pupil for conditions such as glaucoma, before surgery, and before eye examinations.

Phenylephrine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Phenylephrine ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when phenylephrine ophthalmic is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Stop using phenylephrine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

fast or irregular heart rate;

sweating, tremors;

pale skin, light-headed feeling;

severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath; or

chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Phenylephrine ophthalmic

You should not use phenylephrine ophthalmic if you are allergic to it, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic without a doctor's advice if you have:

an eye infection;

an eye injury; or

if you have you have recently had eye surgery.

Any of the conditions above could cause your eyes to absorb phenylephrine ophthalmic into your body, which could lead to dangerous effects on the heart.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have other medical conditions, especially:

high blood pressure;

any type of heart condition;

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries); or

asthma or sulfite allergy.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether phenylephrine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether phenylephrine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How to use Phenylephrine ophthalmic

Usual Adult Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Apply 1 drop (2.5% or 10%) every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per dayComments:-To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, the 10% ophthalmic solution may be needed. Use: To dilate pupils for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation:

Less than 1 year: -Apply 1 drop (2.5%) ophthalmic solution every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per day1 year of older: -Apply 1 drop (2.5% or 10%) every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per dayComments:-Use of the 10% ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in patients less than 1 year of age due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity. -To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis in patients 1 year or older, the 10% ophthalmic solution may be needed. Use: To dilate pupils for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

Warnings

You should not use phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

What other drugs will affect Phenylephrine ophthalmic

Tell your doctor if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 21 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Other drugs may interact with phenylephrine ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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