Visine Original Side Effects

Generic name: tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic

Note: This document contains side effect information about tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Visine Original.

Some side effects of Visine Original may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Visine Original) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe burning, stinging, swelling, or other irritation after using the eye drops;

• fast or pounding heartbeats; or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may include:

• burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;

• tearing or blurred vision;

• nausea;

• nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic: compounding powder, ophthalmic solution

Other

Systemic side effects are rare because of the minor extent of absorption after topical application.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included blurred vision, irritation, mydriasis, conjunctival hyperemia, and blepharoconjunctivitis. Conjunctival application, especially when high concentrations have been used in the elderly, may liberate pigment granules, presumably from the iris.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects associated with ocular sympathomimetic agents have included headache, tremor, trembling, dizziness, nervousness, and drowsiness.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have rarely included palpitations, hypertension, and bradycardia.