Phenylephrine Ophthalmic Solution

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% and 10%, is indicated to dilate the pupil.

Cardiac and Endocrine Disease

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% is contraindicated in patients with hypertension or thyrotoxicosis. Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% should be used in these patients.

Pediatric Patients Less Than 1 Year of Age

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity. Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% should be used in these patients [See Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Agents That May Exaggerate Pressor Responses

Concomitant use of phenylephrine and atropine may enhance the pressor effects and induce tachycardia in some patients. Phenylephrine may potentiate the cardiovascular depressant effects of some inhalation anesthetic agents.

Overdosage of phenylephrine may cause a rapid rise in blood pressure. It may also cause headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, and ventricular arrhythmias. Prompt injection of a rapidly acting alpha-adrenergic blocking agent such as phentolamine has been recommended.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing problems
• chest pain or palpitations
• eye pain, vision changes including floating spots
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision or stinging in the eyes
• headache

• atropine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicine for blood pressure