Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

For patients 1 year of age or greater, apply one drop of either Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% or 10% every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops. If necessary, this dose may be repeated.

In order to obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 10% may be needed.

In pediatric patients less than 1 year of age, one drop of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% should be instilled at 3 to 5 minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye.

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 10% is contraindicated in patients with hypertension, or thyrotoxicosis. Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% should be used in these patients.

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 10% is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity. Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% should be used in these patients [See Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% and 10% is not indicated for injection.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Cardiovascular reactions which have occurred 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)].

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.

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 Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% and 10% should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

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, USP 2.5% and 10% is administered to a nursing woman.

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 10% is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age. [See Contraindications (4.2)].

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

Phenylephrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist used for dilation of the pupil due to its vasoconstrictor and mydriatic action. Phenylephrine possesses predominantly α-adrenergic effects. In the eye, phenylephrine acts locally as a potent vasoconstrictor and mydriatic, by constricting ophthalmic blood vessels and the radial muscle of the iris.

Maximal mydriasis occurs in 20-90 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.

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 and when the corneal barrier function has been compromised.

Storage and Handling:

Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F).

Keep container tightly closed. Do not use if solution is brown or contains a precipitate.

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