PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE solution/ drops

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Akorn, Akorn Operating Company LLC. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

• HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

  These highlights do not include all the information needed to use PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, USP safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, USP.
  PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE ophthalmic solution, USP 2.5% and 10%.
  Initial U.S. Approval: 1939

  INDICATIONS AND USAGE

  Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist indicated to dilate the pupil (1)

  DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  For patients 1 year of age and older: (2.1)

  • 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: (2.2)

  • 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

  DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

  Ophthalmic solution (sterile): (3)

  • 25 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride in one mL of solution (2.5%)
  • 100 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride in one mL of solution (10%)

  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)

  WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Not for injection: Topical ophthalmic use only (5.1)
  • Serious cardiovascular reactions with 10% strength: Reactions have included ventricular arrhythmias and some have been fatal. Monitor blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular disease (5.2).
  • Significant elevations in blood pressure: Caution in pediatric patients less than 5 years of age, and in patients with cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism. In patients at high risk, monitor blood pressure post treatment (5.3).
  • Rebound miosis: Reported one day after instillation (5.4)

  ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • Ocular adverse reactions include eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision, and photophobia (6.1)
  • Cardiovascular adverse reactions include increase in blood pressure, syncope, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia and subarachnoid hemorrhage (6.2)

  To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Akorn, Inc. at 1-800-932-5676 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

  DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Atropine-like drugs: May exaggerate the adrenergic pressor response (7.1)
  • Potent inhalation anesthetic agents: May potentiate cardiovascular depressant effects (7.1)

  See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

  Revised: 2/2019

• Table of Contents

  FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

  1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

  2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  2.1 General Dosing Recommendations

  2.2 Dosing in Pediatric Patients Less Than 1 Year of Age

  3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

  4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

  4.1 Cardiac and Endocrine Disease

  4.2 Pediatric Patients Less Than 1 Year of Age

  5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  5.1 Topical Ophthalmic Use Only

  5.2 Cardiovascular Reactions

  5.3 Elevation of Blood Pressure

  5.4 Rebound Miosis

  6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

  6.1 Ocular Adverse Reactions

  6.2 Systemic Adverse Reactions

  7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

  7.1 Agents That May Exaggerate Pressor Responses

  8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

  8.1 Pregnancy

  8.3 Nursing Mothers

  8.4 Pediatric Use

  8.5 Geriatric Use

  10 OVERDOSAGE

  11 DESCRIPTION

  12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

  12.1 Mechanism of Action

  12.2 Pharmacodynamics

  12.3 Pharmacokinetics

  14 CLINICAL STUDIES

  16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

  17. PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

  * Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% and 10%, is indicated to dilate the pupil.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

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.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 2.5% is a clear, colorless, sterile topical ophthalmic solution containing phenylephrine hydrochloride 2.5%: each mL contains 25 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 10% is a clear, colorless, sterile topical ophthalmic solution containing phenylephrine hydrochloride 10%.: each mL contains 100 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

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)].

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Topical Ophthalmic Use Only

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% and 10% is not indicated for injection.

5.2 Cardiovascular Reactions

There have been reports of serious cardiovascular reactions, including ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions, in patients using phenylephrine 10%. These episodes, some fatal, have usually occurred in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% should be used in these patients.

5.3 Elevation of Blood Pressure

A significant elevation in blood pressure is not common but has been reported following conjunctival instillation of recommended doses of phenylephrine 10%. The risk is less with phenylephrine 2.5%. Caution should be exercised with the use of phenylephrine 10% in pediatric patients less than 5 years of age and patients with hyperthyroidism, or cardiovascular disease. The post-treatment blood pressure of patients with cardiac and endocrine diseases and any patients who develop symptoms should be carefully monitored.

5.4 Rebound Miosis

Rebound miosis has been reported one day after receiving phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, and re-instillation of the drug produced a lesser mydriatic effect.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:

• Cardiovascular Effects [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Elevation in Blood Pressure [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

6.1 Ocular Adverse Reactions

Eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision and photophobia, and conjunctival sensitization may occur.

6.2 Systemic Adverse Reactions

A marked increase in blood pressure has been reported particularly, but not limited to low weight premature neonates, infants and hypertensive patients.

Cardiovascular effects which have been seen primarily in hypertensive patients following topical ocular use of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% include marked increase in blood pressure, syncope, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia and subarachnoid hemorrhage [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2 and 5.3)].

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

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.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

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.

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.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age [See Contraindications (4.2)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety and effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.

10 OVERDOSAGE

Overdosage of phenylephrine may cause a rapid rise in blood pressure. It may also cause headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, and ventricular arrhythmias. Prompt injection of a rapidly acting alpha-adrenergic blocking agent such as phentolamine has been recommended.

11 DESCRIPTION

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP is a sterile, clear, colorless, topical α-adrenergic agonist for ophthalmic use. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structure

Chemical Name: (R)-3-hydroxy-α[(methylamino)methyl]benzenemethanol hydrochloride.

Molecular Formula: C9H13NO2.HCl

Molecular Weight: 203.67 g/mol

Each mL of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% contains: ACTIVE: Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 25 mg (2.5%); INACTIVES: Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Water for Injection. Phosphoric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (4.0 to 7.5). The solution has a tonicity of 340 mOsm/kg; PRESERVATIVE: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1 mg (0.01%).

Each mL of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 10% contains: ACTIVE: Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 100 mg (10%); INACTIVES: Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Water for Injection. Phosphoric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (4.0 to 7.5). The solution has a tonicity of 985 mOsm/kg; PRESERVATIVE: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1 mg (0.01%).

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an α-1 adrenergic agonist drug that is used in ophthalmology mainly for its mydriatic effect. After topical application to the conjunctiva, phenylephrine acts directly on α-adrenergic receptors in the eye, producing contraction of the dilator muscle of the pupil and constriction of the arterioles in the conjunctiva.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Maximal mydriasis occurs in 20 to 90 minutes with recovery after 3 to 8 hours.

Systemic absorption of sufficient quantities of phenylephrine may lead to systemic α-adrenergic effects, such as rise in blood pressure which may be accompanied by a reflex atropine-sensitive bradycardia.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The systemic exposure following topical administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution has not been studied. A higher systemic absorption is expected for the 10% solution than the 2.5% solution and when the corneal barrier function is compromised.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

Pupillary dilation following topical administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution has been demonstrated in controlled clinical studies in adults and pediatric patients with different levels of iris pigmentation. Pupil movement is generally seen within 15 minutes, maximal mydriasis between 20 to 90 minutes and recovery after 3 to 8 hours. Darker irides tend to dilate slower than lighter irides.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% is supplied as a sterile, aqueous, topical ophthalmic solution in an opaque, white low density polyethylene (LDPE) bottle with a natural LDPE dropper tip and red cap in the following sizes:

NDC: 17478-201-02         2 mL in 6 cc bottle
NDC: 17478-201-15         15 mL in 15 cc bottle

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 10% is supplied as a sterile, aqueous, topical ophthalmic solution in an opaque, white low density polyethylene (LDPE) bottle with a natural LDPE dropper tip and red cap in the following sizes:

NDC: 17478-206-05         5 mL in 10 cc bottle

After opening, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP can be used until the expiration date on the bottle.

Storage: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

Keep container tightly closed.

Protect from light and excessive heat.

Do not use if solution is brown or contains precipitate.

17. PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Advise patients not to touch the dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the solution. Inform patients that they may experience sensitivity to light and should protect their eyes in bright illumination while their pupils are dilated.

AKORN

Manufactured by: Akorn, Inc.
Lake Forest, IL 60045

EL00N Rev. 02/19

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Principal Display Panel Text for Container Label:

NDC: 17478-201-02

Phenylephrine

Hydrochloride

Ophthalmic

Solution, USP

2.5%

For Topical
Application in the
Eye. Not for
Injection.

Rx only 2 mL

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Principal Display Panel Text for Carton Label:

NDC: 17478-201-02

Phenylephrine

Hydrochloride

Ophthalmic

Solution, USP

2.5%

For Topical Application
in the Eye. Not for
Injection.

2 mL
Rx only Akorn logo

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Principal Display Panel Text for Container Label:

NDC: 17478-206-05

Phenylephrine

Hydrochloride Ophthalmic

Solution, USP

10%

For Topical Application in the
Eye. Not for Injection.

Rx only 5 mL

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Principal Display Panel Text for Carton Label:

NDC: 17478-206-05

Phenylephrine

Hydrochloride

Ophthalmic

Solution, USP

10%

For Topical Application
in the Eye. Not for
Injection.

5 mL
Rx only Akorn logo

INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE

PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE 
phenylephrine hydrochloride solution/ drops

Product Information
Product Type	HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG	Item Code (Source)	NDC: 17478-201
Route of Administration	OPHTHALMIC

Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient Name	Basis of Strength	Strength
Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (UNII: 04JA59TNSJ) (Phenylephrine - UNII:1WS297W6MV)	Phenylephrine Hydrochloride	25 mg  in 1 mL

Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient Name	Strength
Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic, Anhydrous (UNII: 22ADO53M6F)
Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Anhydrous (UNII: KH7I04HPUU)
Sodium Hydroxide (UNII: 55X04QC32I)
Phosphoric Acid (UNII: E4GA8884NN)
Water (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)
Benzalkonium Chloride (UNII: F5UM2KM3W7)

Packaging
#	Item Code	Package Description	Marketing Start Date	Marketing End Date
1	NDC: 17478-201-02	1 in 1 CARTON	01/15/2015
1		2 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
2	NDC: 17478-201-15	1 in 1 CARTON	01/15/2015
2		15 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product

Marketing Information
Marketing Category	Application Number or Monograph Citation	Marketing Start Date	Marketing End Date
NDA	NDA207926	01/15/2015

PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE 
phenylephrine hydrochloride solution/ drops

Product Information
Product Type	HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG	Item Code (Source)	NDC: 17478-206
Route of Administration	OPHTHALMIC

Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient Name	Basis of Strength	Strength
Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (UNII: 04JA59TNSJ) (Phenylephrine - UNII:1WS297W6MV)	Phenylephrine Hydrochloride	100 mg  in 1 mL

Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient Name	Strength
Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic, Anhydrous (UNII: 22ADO53M6F)
Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Anhydrous (UNII: KH7I04HPUU)
Sodium Hydroxide (UNII: 55X04QC32I)
Phosphoric Acid (UNII: E4GA8884NN)
Water (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)
Benzalkonium Chloride (UNII: F5UM2KM3W7)

Packaging
#	Item Code	Package Description	Marketing Start Date	Marketing End Date
1	NDC: 17478-206-05	1 in 1 CARTON	01/15/2015
1		5 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product

Marketing Information
Marketing Category	Application Number or Monograph Citation	Marketing Start Date	Marketing End Date
NDA	NDA207926	01/15/2015

Labeler - Akorn, Inc. (062649876)

Establishment
Name	Address	ID/FEI	Business Operations
Akorn, Inc		063434679	PACK(17478-201, 17478-206) , LABEL(17478-201, 17478-206)

Establishment
Name	Address	ID/FEI	Business Operations
Akorn, Inc.		155135783	MANUFACTURE(17478-201, 17478-206) , ANALYSIS(17478-201, 17478-206) , STERILIZE(17478-201, 17478-206)