Altafrin Ophthalmic

Name: Altafrin Ophthalmic

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

  • AK-Dilate
  • AK-Pentolate
  • Altafrin
  • Atropine Care
  • Cyclogyl
  • Cyclomydril
  • Eye Cool
  • Homatropaire
  • Isopto Atropine
  • Isopto Homatropine
  • Isopto Hyoscine
  • Mydfrin
  • Mydral
  • Mydriacyl
  • Neofrin
  • Neo-Synephrine
  • Omidria
  • Paremyd

In Canada

  • Ak-Dilate
  • Ak-Pentolate
  • Atropine
  • Atropine-Ak
  • Atropine Eye Ointment
  • Atropine Ointment
  • Atropisol
  • Minims Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Ointment
  • Solution

Uses For Altafrin

Ophthalmic atropine, homatropine, and scopolamine are used to dilate (enlarge) the pupil of the eye. They are used before eye examinations, before and after eye surgery, and to treat certain eye conditions, such as uveitis or posterior synechiae.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Altafrin Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
  • Clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • confusion or unusual behavior
  • dryness of skin
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever
  • flushing or redness of face
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • skin rash
  • slurred speech
  • swollen stomach in infants
  • thirst or unusual dryness of mouth
  • unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

  • Blurred vision
  • brief burning or stinging of the eyes
  • eye irritation not present before use of this medicine
  • increased sensitivity of eyes to light
  • swelling of the eyelids

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Side Effects

Burning or stinging, headache, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye pain, irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

List Altafrin Drops side effects by likelihood and severity.

Precautions

Before using phenylephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (angle-closure type), blood vessel disorders (such as aneurysm).

This medication may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

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