Here is a detailed overview of Phenylephrine Eye Drops 5%:
💧 Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 5%
✅ DESCRIPTION
Phenylephrine 5% Eye Drops is a topical ophthalmic alpha-adrenergic agonist used primarily to induce mydriasis (pupil dilation) for diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical purposes. It has vasoconstrictive properties and is commonly used before eye surgeries or fundus examination.
🧪 FORMULATION
- Active Ingredient: Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 5% (50 mg/mL)
- Preservative: Benzalkonium chloride (0.01%)
- Excipients:
- Sodium phosphate
- Boric acid
- Sodium hydroxide / Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
- Purified water
- Form: Sterile, clear ophthalmic solution
🌿 NATURE
- Class: Sympathomimetic / Alpha-1 adrenergic agonist
- Mechanism of Action:
Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on the iris dilator muscle, leading to pupil dilation without affecting accommodation.
💊 USES
- Diagnostic Indications:
- Mydriasis for fundoscopy or refraction
- Evaluation of anisocoria or Horner’s syndrome (1% or 10% preferred)
- Therapeutic Uses:
- Uveitis / Iritis – reduces congestion and prevents posterior synechiae
- Surgical adjunct during eye procedures (e.g., cataract surgery)
- Reducing conjunctival hyperemia due to vasoconstrictive action
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Rapid onset of dilation (within 15–30 minutes)
- Short duration (3–6 hours) — ideal for outpatient diagnostics
- Does not affect accommodation, unlike anticholinergics
- Less systemic absorption at 5% concentration compared to 10%
- Useful adjunct in anterior segment surgeries
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
Common Side Effects:
- Temporary stinging or burning sensation
- Photophobia
- Transient blurred vision
- Mild conjunctival redness
Systemic Side Effects (especially in infants or elderly):
- Hypertension, headache
- Tachycardia, arrhythmia
- Sweating, tremors
- Pallor, nervousness
Contraindications:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Severe hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias
- Known hypersensitivity to phenylephrine
Special Considerations:
- Use with caution in children and elderly
- Avoid in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Ensure proper application; punctal occlusion is advised
- Not for prolonged use — may cause rebound redness
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 15°C to 25°C (room temperature)
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Discard the bottle 28 days after opening
- Keep out of reach of children