Drug Notes

Phenylephrine (Into the eye)

Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Treats uveitis and wide-angle glaucoma. Also used to dilate the pupil of the eye.

Brand Name(s):

Altafrin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• This medicine is an eye drop given by a nurse or other trained health professional.
• You may need to use this medicine at home. Follow these steps:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Insert the drops into the pocket, between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not allow the dropper to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store this medicine in the refrigerator.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how phenylephrine works. Tell your doctor if you are using atropine or any anesthetic medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, or blood vessel disease.
• This medicine will make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Sudden, severe headache

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Eye irritation, burning, or sensitivity to light
• Swelling, redness, or itching of the eyelids

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017