Altazine

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, or vision changes.

An overdose of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not wear contact lenses while using Altazine.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use this medicine on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses or extra doses.
• Many times Altazine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Applies to tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

Side effects include:

Ophthalmic: Blurred vision, irritation, mydriasis.

Applies to tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic solution

Other

Systemic side effects are rare because of the minor extent of absorption after topical application.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included blurred vision, irritation, mydriasis, conjunctival hyperemia, and blepharoconjunctivitis. Conjunctival application, especially when high concentrations have been used in the elderly, may liberate pigment granules, presumably from the iris.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects associated with ocular sympathomimetic agents have included headache, tremor, trembling, dizziness, nervousness, and drowsiness.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have rarely included palpitations, hypertension, and bradycardia.[Ref]

Some side effects of Altazine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.