Phenylephrine (ophthalmic)
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Dosing in kidney impairment
This label has no separate kidney-impairment dosing section. Check warnings and clinical pharmacology in the full label.
Preparation and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For patients 1 year of age and older : Apply one drop of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution (2.5% or 10% strength) to conjunctival fornix at 3 to 5 minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye. To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, use 10% strength For pediatric patients less than 1 year of age : Instill one drop of 2.5% strength to conjunctival fornix at 3 to 5 minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye 2.1 General Dosing Recommendations In patients 1 year of age or greater, apply one drop of either phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 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.
In order to obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% may be needed. 2.2 Dosing in Pediatric Patients Less Than 1 Year of Age In pediatric patients less than 1 year of age, one drop of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% should be instilled at 3 to 5 minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye.
Drug interactions
Check phenylephrine (ophthalmic) against a medication listLabel text (2 paragraphs)
Atropine-like drugs : May exaggerate the adrenergic pressor response ( 7.1 ) Potent inhalation anesthetic agents : May potentiate cardiovascular depressant effects ( 7.1 )
7.1 Agents That May Exaggerate Pressor Responses Concomitant use of phenylephrine and atropine may enhance the pressor effects and induce tachycardia in some patients. Phenylephrine may potentiate the cardiovascular depressant effects of some inhalation anesthetic agents.
Contraindications
The 10% strength is contraindicated in: Patients with hypertension, or thyrotoxicosis ( 4.1 ) Pediatric patients less than 1 year of age due to increased risk of systemic toxicity ( 4.2 )
4.1 Cardiac and Endocrine Disease Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% is contraindicated in patients with hypertension or thyrotoxicosis. Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% should be used in these patients.
4.2 Pediatric Patients Less Than 1 Year of Age Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity. Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% should be used in these patients [See Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] .
Safety data
Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Liver injury (LiverTox)
LiverTox has no chapter for phenylephrine (ophthalmic). Check the label's hepatic warnings.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical phenylephrine. It is also not known whether phenylephrine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Phenylephrine hydrochloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Lactation
8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% and 10% is administered to a nursing woman.
Breastfeeding (LactMed)
The oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is negligible, so the drug is unlikely to reach the infant. However, intravenous or oral administration of phenylephrine might decrease milk production. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Phenylephrine nasal spray or ophthalmic drops are less likely to decrease lactation. To substantially diminish the effect of the drug after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
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