AK-Dilate Side Effects

Generic name: phenylephrine ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about AK-Dilate Side Effects associated with phenylephrine ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name AK-Dilate.

Applies to phenylephrine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

If eye pain or change in vision occurs or if redness or irritation of the eye continues, gets worse, or lasts for more than 72 hours, stop using the medicine and check with your doctor.

For patients using the 2.5 or 10% eye drops:

• After you apply this medicine to your eyes, your pupils will become unusually large. This will cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. When you go out during the daylight hours, even on cloudy days, wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light to protect your eyes from sunlight and other bright lights. Ordinary sunglasses may not protect your eyes. If you have any questions about the kind of sunglasses to wear, check with your doctor. Also, if this effect continues for longer than 12 hours after you have stopped using this medicine, check with your doctor.

Common side effects of AK-Dilate

Some side effects of phenylephrine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common with 2.5 or 10% solution

• burning or stinging of eyes
• headache or browache
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• watering of eyes

Serious side effects of AK-Dilate

Along with its needed effects, phenylephrine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in AK-Dilate) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking phenylephrine ophthalmic:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

• Dizziness
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• increased sweating
• increase in blood pressure
• paleness
• trembling

For healthcare professionals

Applies to phenylephrine ophthalmic: intraocular solution, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision and photophobia.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, hypertension, syncope, tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations, extrasystoles, reflex bradycardia, coronary artery spasm

There have been reports of serious cardiovascular reactions including ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions. Fatalities have been reported. Significant blood pressure elevations have been reported with recommended doses of 10% ophthalmic solution.

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision, photophobia, conjunctival allergy, reactive hyperemia, transient punctuate keratitis, lacrimation, corneal edema, pigmented aqueous floaters, rebound conjunctival vasoconstriction, rebound miosis, periorbital pallor

Periorbital pallor has been reported in preterm patients.

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Blanching of skin, increased perspiration

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, headache, tremor or trembling, aneurisms

See also:

Further information

AK-Dilate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer