Phenylephrine is used on its own or together with other medicines to help enlarge the pupil of your eyes.
This medicine may be used as an aid in an eye examination, diagnostic or surgical procedure.
Instill Phenylephrine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
How to use the eye drop solution:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upwards and instill the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for the next 30 seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Wash your hands after each application.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surfaces. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
Do not share your eye drop with anyone else.
Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- increased pressure in the eye
- high blood pressure
- thyroid disease
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine to children or an elderly unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- asthma
- cerebral arteriosclerosis (narrow arteries in the head)
- redness of the eye/s
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are being treated with this medicine.
Phenylephrine may cause visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision, eye floaters or spots in your vision). If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects may include: eye pain, irritation, stinging or burning sensation, brow ache, headache, increased sensitivity to light and tear production.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe eye irritation
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- symptoms of high blood pressure e.g. severe headache, tiredness, confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Phenylephrine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 21 days.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicine for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine
- medicine for Parkinson’s disease (a brain disease that affects movement) e.g. levodopa
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Phenylephrine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store away from the reach of children.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should refrigerate this medicine. Some products may be stored at room temperature, other are to be stored at 2-8 ºC.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.