Phenylephrine
| Phenylephrine | |
|---|---|
| DOSAGE | |
| Adult Dose Dilation | Pediatric Dose Dilation |
| 1 yo and older: 1 gtt 2.5% in 5-minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 drops | To obtain a greater degree of mydriasis, use 10% strength. | Less than 1 yo old: 1 gtt 2.5% in 3-5-minute intervals up to a maximum of 3 drop |
| GENERIC | phenylephrine hydrochloride 2.5%, 10 % Ophthalmic Solution |
| SIZE | 2mL, 3mL, 5mL, 15mL (2.5%) | 2mL, 5 mL (10%) |
| INDICATIONS | Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist indicated to dilate the pupil |
| MECHANISM OF ACTION | Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an α-1 adrenergic agonist drug that is used in ophthalmology mainly for its mydriatic effect |
| MICROBIOLOGY | phenylephrine acts directly on α-adrenergic receptors in the eye, producing contraction of the dilator muscle of the pupil and constriction of the arterioles in the conjunctiva. |
| CONTRAINDICATIONS & WARNINGS | The 10% strength is contraindicated in: Patients with hypertension, or thyrotoxicosis. Pediatric patients less than 1 year of age due to increased risk of systemic toxicity |
| PEDIATRIC USE | Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age |
| PREGNANCY | Category C: 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 should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. |
| NOTE | Overdosage of phenylephrine may cause a rapid rise in blood pressure. It may also cause headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, and ventricular arrhythmias. Prompt injection of a rapidly acting alpha-adrenergic blocking agent such as phentolamine has been recommended. |