Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%
Generic name: Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5% [ fen-il-EF-rin ]
Brand names: AK-Dilate, Neofrin
Drug classes: Mydriatics, Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Uses of Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%:
- It makes the eye pupils larger.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%?
- If you have an allergy to phenylephrine or any other part of phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%.
- If you are allergic to phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%; any part of phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease.
- If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for clear eyesight while your pupils are dilated.
- If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
- Very bad heart problems like abnormal heartbeats and heart attack have happened with the 10% strength of phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%. Most of the time, these heart problems happened in people who had heart disease. Sometimes, they were deadly. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%) best taken?
Use phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- For the eye only.
- Your doctor will give phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
Related/similar drugs
brimonidine ophthalmic, atropine ophthalmic, phenylephrine ophthalmic, oxymetazoline ophthalmic, fluorometholone ophthalmic, Flarex, Isopto Hyoscine, tropicamide ophthalmic
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
What are some other side effects of Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Stinging.
- Eye pain.
- Eye irritation.
- Blurred eyesight.
- Bright lights may bother you. Wear sunglasses.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Phenylephrine Eye Drops 2.5%?
- If you need to store phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about phenylephrine ophthalmic
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: mydriatics
- Breastfeeding
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Patient resources
Other brands
Mydfrin, Prefrin, Altafrin, AK-Dilate, ... +2 more
Professional resources
- Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (EENT) (Mydriatic) monograph
- Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (EENT) (Vasoconstrictor) (AHFS Monograph)
- Phenylephrine Ophthalmic Solution (FDA)
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.