Phenylephrine eye solution

What is this medication?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) is used in the eye to widen your pupils, so they won't respond to light during diagnostic procedures.

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surfaces. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug 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 like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

•medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

•medicine for blood pressure

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?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor or health care professional.

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

If this medicine 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 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

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.

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. Throw away any unused medicine 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.