Phenylephrine Ophthalmic Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 11, 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.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer