What is phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Phenylephrine ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also enlarges the
pupils, reduces the production of fluid in the eyes, and increases the amount of fluid that drains from
the eyes.
Phenylephrine ophthalmic available over-the-counter is used to relieve redness, burning,
irritation, and dryness of the eye caused by wind, sun, and other minor 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 other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the
supervision of your doctor.
Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic after eye surgery, if you have an eye infection, if you
have an eye injury, or if you have a problem with the normal tearing of your eyes without the
approval and direction of your doctor. Using phenylephrine ophthalmic under these circumstances
could lead to absorption of the drug by the body, and side effects could affect the heart.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
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have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure;
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take any medicines to treat a heart condition;
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have asthma;
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have diabetes; or
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have thyroid problems.
You may not be able to use phenylephrine ophthalmic, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Phenylephrine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether phenylephrine ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
It is not known whether phenylephrine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use
phenylephrine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Use phenylephrine eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that
accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or
nurse to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying phenylephrine ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Phenylephrine
ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
To apply the eyedrops:
Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic more often or continuously for
longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage
the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve
or appear to worsen.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store phenylephrine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about phenylephrine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of phenylephrine ophthalmic?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using phenylephrine
ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
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an irregular or fast heart rate; or
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high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or
flushed skin).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use phenylephrine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
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burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;
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tearing or blurred vision;
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headache;
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tremor;
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nausea;
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sweating;
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nervousness;
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dizziness; or
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drowsiness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying phenylephrine ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Phenylephrine
ophthalmic may contains preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to
72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to
worsen.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Phenylephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision,
avoid these activities.
What should I avoid while taking phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Phenylephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision,
avoid these activities.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying phenylephrine ophthalmic. Ask
your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Phenylephrine
ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of
contact lenses.
Do not use phenylephrine ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to
72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to
worsen.
What other drugs will affect phenylephrine ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with phenylephrine ophthalmic except
under the direction of your doctor.
Although drug interactions between phenylephrine ophthalmic and drugs taken by mouth are
not expected, they can occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of
the following medicines:
-
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil); or
-
a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol
(Lopressor, Toprol XL), or labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate).
You may not be able to use phenylephrine ophthalmic, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with phenylephrine ophthalmic. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of phenylephrine ophthalmic?
