Note: This document contains side effect information about phenylephrine ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Altafrin.
Applies to phenylephrine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects of Altafrin
Along with its needed effects, phenylephrine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Altafrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking phenylephrine ophthalmic:
Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
- Less common with 10% solution; rare with 2.5% or weaker solution- Dizziness
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- increased sweating
- increase in blood pressure
- paleness
- trembling
Other side effects of Altafrin
Some side effects of phenylephrine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common with 2.5 or 10% solution
- Burning or stinging of eyes
- headache or browache
- sensitivity of eyes to light
- watering of eyes
Less common
- Eye irritation not present before use of this medicine
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to phenylephrine ophthalmic: intraocular injection, ophthalmic solution.
General
The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision and photophobia.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
There have been reports of serious cardiovascular reactions including ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions. Fatalities have been reported. Significant blood pressure elevations have been reported with recommended doses of 10% ophthalmic solution.
Frequency not reported: Ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, hypertension, syncope, tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations, extrasystoles, reflex bradycardia, coronary artery spasm
Ocular
Periorbital pallor has been reported in preterm patients.
Frequency not reported: Eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision, photophobia, conjunctival allergy, reactive hyperemia, transient punctuate keratitis, lacrimation, corneal edema, pigmented aqueous floaters, rebound conjunctival vasoconstriction, rebound miosis, periorbital pallor
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Blanching of skin, increased perspiration
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, headache, tremor or trembling, aneurisms
