Type of medicine: eye decongestant
Generic and brand names: phenylephrine hydrochloride, ophthalmic; AK-Dilate; Mydfrin 2.5%; Neofrin
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to relieve eye redness. It is also used to dilate the pupils for certain diagnostic and exam procedures and sometimes for surgery.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have an eye infection, or if you have recently had eye surgery. Also tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more drops or use them more often than directed. Using too much of this medicine may cause increased redness and irritation in the eye.
Wash your hands before putting this medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.
To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.
Do not use this medicine for more than 48 to 72 hours without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, tingling, numbness.
This medicine widens your pupils, so your eyes may be more sensitive to bright light. Wear dark glasses outdoors.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine. Also, if you need a diagnostic test such as a radioisotope scan, tell your healthcare provider you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause temporary blurring of your vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly.
Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not share eye medicines with others.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other medicines in your eyes. You may need to wait 5 to 10 minutes before or after using other eye medicines, or to stop using the other medicines.
If your eyes do not get better in a few days or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new redness, irritation, or swelling that develops while you are using the medicine; severe headache; vision changes; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; chest pain; shortness of breath; severe eye pain or sensitivity to light; seeing floating spots.
Other: Stinging or blurred vision after applying the medicine, tearing, mild headache, tremor, weakness, drowsiness.
When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Also, using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any of these medicines:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
