Phenylephrine eye drops

About Phenylephrine eye drops

This belongs to the group of medicines known as sympathomimetic eye preparations.

Phenylephrine is used before eye examinations, before or after eye surgery and also to treat certain eye conditions which cause inflammation in the eye.

Phenylephrine is available in eye drop form. It is also available as single dose vials.

Before using Phenylephrine eye drops

Before using Phenylephrine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you suffer from glaucoma
• if you suffer from heart disease or an irregular heartbeat
• if you suffer from high blood pressure
• if you suffer fron hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland)
• if you suffer from diabetes
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Phenylephrine eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap or the tip of the vial (if using unit dose vials).
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside. down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use phenylephrine in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface (including the eye or the fingers).
9. If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application.
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use phenylephrine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly for at least one to two hours after administering a dose of phenylephrine.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
• Do not swallow this medicine. If you or someone else has swallowed this preparation, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container or bottle with you if possible.
• Phenylephrine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with this preparation.

Can Phenylephrine eye drops cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Mild pain and stinging in the eyes, puffy eyes or a dislike of bright lights.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Phenylephrine eye drops

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard the eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 09/07/2003