Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic

Conditions Treated

Ophthalmic tetrahydrozoline is used to relieve minor eye irritation and redness caused by colds, pollen, and swimming.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Tetrahydrozoline eye drops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

stinging or burning of the eye
blurred vision
increased eye redness or irritation

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using tetrahydrozoline eye drops and call your doctor immediately:

headache
sweating
fast or irregular heartbeat
nervousness

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Ophthalmic tetrahydrozoline comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. The eye drops are usually instilled in the affected eyes three or four times a day as needed. Follow the directions on the package label or your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use tetrahydrozoline exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor or written on the package label. To use the eye drops, follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.

Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.

While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.

Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.

Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.

While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.

Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.

Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.

Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.

If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.

Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.

Wash your hands to remove any medication.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before using tetrahydrozoline eye drops, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tetrahydrozoline or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially eye medications, medications for high blood pressure, MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)], and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have any eye disease or infection, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid gland. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using tetrahydrozoline eye drops. You may have to stop using tetrahydrozoline eye drops for a short time. tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. If the brand of tetrahydrozoline eye drops you are using contains benzalkonium chloride, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medicine to put in soft contact lenses.

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Brand Names

Common Brand Names for This Medication

Collyrium Fresh®
Murine® Plus
Optigene® 3
Visine®
A.R.® Eye Drops (as a combination product containing Tetrahydrozoline, Zinc Sulfate)
Visine® A.C. (as a combination product containing Tetrahydrozoline, Zinc Sulfate)

Forgotten Doses

What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?

Tetrahydrazoline eye drops are usually instilled as needed. However, if your doctor has told you to instill the drops on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Additional Information

What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). If the medication becomes discolored, do not use it; obtain a fresh bottle. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What Other Information Should I Know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about tetrahydrozoline eye drops. If you still have symptoms of eye irritation after using tetrahydrozoline as directed, call your doctor. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

ASHS Disclaimer

Click here for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer. AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2011. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commerical use must be authorized by ASHP.