Drug Detail:Altafrin (Phenylephrine ophthalmic [ fen-ill-eff-rin ])
Drug Class: Mydriatics Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
Usual Adult Dose for Pupillary Dilation
Apply 1 drop (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
Comments:
- To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, the 10% ophthalmic solution may be needed.
Use: To dilate pupils for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pupillary Dilation
Less than 1 year:
- Apply 1 drop (2.5%) ophthalmic solution every 3 to 5 minutes to the conjunctival fornix as required up to a maximum of 3 drops per eye per day
1 year of older:
- Apply 1 drop (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
Comments:
- Use of the 10% ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in patients less than 1 year of age due to the increased risk of systemic toxicity.
- To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis in patients 1 year or older, the 10% ophthalmic solution may be needed.
Use: To dilate pupils for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Liver Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypertension (10%)
- Thyrotoxicosis (10%)
- Children less than 1 year (10%)
Safety and efficacy of phenylephrine 10% have not been established in patients younger than 1 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- For topical ophthalmic use only; not for injection
- Do not touch dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the solution
- Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following the instillation of the drops.
Storage requirements:
- Phenylephrine (manufactured by Akorn): Store at 68F to 77F (20C to 25C)
- Phenylephrine (manufactured by Paragon): Store at 36F to 46F (2C to 8C)
- Keep container tightly closed; protect from light and excessive heat
- Do not use if solution is brown or contains a precipitate
Monitor:
- Posttreatment blood pressure (BP) should be monitored in patients with cardiac and endocrine disease and any patient who develops symptoms of elevated BP
Patient advice:
- Patients should expect greater sensitivity to light while their pupils are dilated; sunglasses are suggested to protect eyes while dilated.
- Patients should be informed that they may experience stinging and temporarily blurred vision; patients should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until vision is clear.
