Phenylephrine eye drops: how to take it safely
Neosynephrine
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Widens the pupil for eye tests and surgery, and reduces eye redness.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put one drop in the pocket it makes.
- Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes and press the inner corner of the eye. This keeps the drop in the eye.
- Do not let the tip touch your eye or fingers.
- If you use more than one eye drop, wait 5 minutes between them.
When to take it
Used by an eye health worker, or as prescribed.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Wearing soft contact lenses unless the label says it is safe. Take lenses out first and wait 15 minutes.
- Touching the dropper tip to anything.
- Using the bottle for more than 4 weeks after opening.
- Sharing the bottle.
- Driving or using machines until your vision clears.
- Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or glaucoma.
Possible side effects
Stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity.
Get help if
Palpitations, severe headache, chest pain or severe eye pain: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.