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Phenylephrine Eye Solution

What is this medication?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) enlarges (dilates) your pupils before an eye exam or procedure. It works by relaxing the muscles of your eyes. This makes it easier to view the inner eye.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AK-Dilate, Mydfrin, Neo-Synephrine, Neofrin, Ocu-Phrin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Thyroid disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, sulfites, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surfaces. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Close the eye gently to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Finish the full course of medication prescribed by your care team even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team.

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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for select conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Atropine
  • MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
  • Medications for blood pressure
  • Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use this medication for longer than directed by care team.

You may get blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that needs clear vision until you know how this medication affects you.

If this medication make your eyes sensitive to light, wear sunglasses and avoid bright sun or other bright lights.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Increase in blood pressure

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

  • Blurry vision
  • Burning or stinging of the eyes after use
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Small pupils

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light.

Do not use if the solution is brown or contains a precipitate.

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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