Phenylephrine Ophthalmic Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Pupillary Dilation

Apply 1 drop (2.5% or 10%) every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per day

Comments:

• To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, the 10% ophthalmic solution may be needed.

Use: To dilate pupils for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation

Less than 1 year:

• Apply 1 drop (2.5%) ophthalmic solution every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per day

1 year of older:

• Apply 1 drop (2.5% or 10%) every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per day

Comments:

• Use of the 10% ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in patients less than 1 year of age due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity.
• To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis in patients 1 year or older, the 10% ophthalmic solution may be needed.

Use: To dilate pupils for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypertension (10%)
• Thyrotoxicosis (10%)
• Children less than 1 year (10%)

Safety and efficacy of phenylephrine 10% have not been established in patients younger than 1 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For topical ophthalmic use only; not for injection
• Do not touch dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the solution
• Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following the instillation of the drops.

Storage requirements:

• Phenylephrine (manufactured by Akorn): Store at 68F to 77F (20C to 25C)
• Phenylephrine (manufactured by Paragon): Store at 36F to 46F (2C to 8C)
• Keep container tightly closed; protect from light and excessive heat
• Do not use if solution is brown or contains a precipitate

Monitor:

• Posttreatment blood pressure (BP) should be monitored in patients with cardiac and endocrine disease and any patient who develops symptoms of elevated BP

Patient advice:

• Patients should expect greater sensitivity to light while their pupils are dilated; sunglasses are suggested to protect eyes while dilated.
• Patients should be informed that they may experience stinging and temporarily blurred vision; patients should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until vision is clear.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer