Why is this medicine prescribed?
Phenylephrine opthalmic is used to cause pupil dilation (making the black center of the eye bigger) before an eye examination. Phenylephrine is in a class of medications called mydriatics. It works by relaxing certain muscles in the eye.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Phenylephrine opthalmic comes as a solution to place into the eye. Your healthcare provider will place the solution into the eye(s) prior to an eye examination. This may be repeated every 3 to 5 minutes for up to 3 times.
You should remove your contact lenses before this medication is given.
Phenylephrine ophthalmic may take about 20-90 minutes or more to fully work. The medication's effects may last for up to 3 to 8 hours.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving phenylephrine opthalmic,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving phenylephrine opthalmic. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure or thyroid disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- you should know that your vision may be blurred after your treatment with phenylephrine opthalmic. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are unable to see clearly.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to protect your eyes (e.g., use sunglasses). Phenylephrine may make your eyes sensitive to sunlight.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are received phenylephrine opthalmic.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Phenylephrine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or those in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section are severe or do not go away:
- stinging or pain in the eye
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fainting
- chest pain
- irregular heartbeats
Phenylephrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.