Phenylephrine Ophthalmic

In the U.S.

• AK-Dilate
• Altafrin
• Eye Cool
• Mydfrin
• Neofrin
• Neo-Synephrine
• Ocu-Phrin
• Prefrin Liquifilm

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Mydriatic-Cycloplegic

Pharmacologic Class: Sympathomimetic

Chemical Class: Alkylarylamine

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Dizziness
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• increased sweating
• increase in blood pressure
• paleness
• trembling

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:

• Burning or stinging of eyes
• headache or browache
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• watering of eyes

• Eye irritation not present before use of phenylephrine

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.

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Solution, Ophthalmic, as hydrochloride:

Altafrin: 2.5% (15 mL); 10% (5 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride]

Mydfrin: 2.5% (3 mL [DSC], 5 mL [DSC]) [contains benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium]

Neofrin: 2.5% (15 mL [DSC]) [contains benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium, sodium bisulfite]

Neofrin: 10% (5 mL [DSC]) [contains benzalkonium chloride]

Generic: 2.5% (2 mL, 3 mL, 5 mL, 15 mL); 10% (5 mL)

Solution, Ophthalmic, as hydrochloride [preservative free]:

Generic: 2.5% (1 ea)

Mydriasis: To dilate the pupils

2.5% solution: There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer’s labeling.

10% solution: Hypertension; thyrotoxicosis; infants younger than 1 year

Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for ophthalmic decongestants is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.

Mydriasis: Ophthalmic: 2.5% or 10% solution: Instill 1 drop every 3 to 5 minutes as needed (maximum dose: 3 drops per eye). If necessary, dose may be repeated.

Alpha1-Blockers: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha1-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy

AtoMOXetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. AtoMOXetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy

Cocaine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Consider therapy modification

Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Monitor therapy

Ergot Derivatives: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Ergot Derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Exceptions: Ergoloid Mesylates; Nicergoline. Avoid combination

Guanethidine: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Iobenguane I 123: Sympathomimetics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane I 123. Avoid combination

Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Consider therapy modification

MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. While linezolid is expected to interact via this mechanism, management recommendations differ from other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Refer to linezolid specific monographs for details. Exceptions: Linezolid; Tedizolid. Avoid combination

Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the vasopressor effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Monitor therapy

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.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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.