Mydcombi
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) is a spray containing two medications: tropicamide and phenylephrine that work together to dilate (widen) the pupil of your eye(s). This helps your provider examine your eye better. You will receive this medication at a clinic, where your provider will spray a mist onto the eye that needs to be dilated. Common side effects include blurred vision, changes in your vision, and some minor eye discomfort. This medication comes as a brand name only, so it's not available in a generic version.
What is Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)?
What is Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) used for?
- Dilate pupils for eye examinations
How Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) works
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) is a combination of two medications:
- Tropicamide is an anticholinergic. It prevents a muscle in your eye from contracting, allowing your pupil to widen.
- Phenylephrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist. It stimulates another muscle in your eye to cause your pupil to widen.
Drug facts
Side effects of Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- High pressure in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Eye discomfort
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle stiffness
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Brain and nervous system problems: hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), confusion, abnormal behavior
Pros and cons of Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
Pros
- Starts dilating pupils within minutes
- Can be used in adults and children
- Combination of two medications in a single spray
Cons
- Dilating effects can last for up to 24 hours
- Can raise your blood pressure or heart rate
- Can cause side effects to other parts of your body, like dry mouth and headache
Pharmacist tips for Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
- Before receiving Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), let your provider know if you take any other anticholinergic medication, pilocarpine, artificial tears, or any other eye medications. This is because certain medications can interact with Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) and raise your risk for side effects.
- Before receiving Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), make sure to follow your provider's instructions for when to remove and put back your contact lens in your eye.
- Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) can cause blurry vision and light sensitivity for up to 24 hours after receiving your dose. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to focus while your pupils are dilated.
- After receiving Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), your eyes might be more sensitive to light while your pupils are dilated. It's important that you protect your eyes from light as much as possible until the medication's effects wear off.
- Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) can cause side effects to other parts of your body, including dry mouth, headache, fast heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. If you get any of these side effects, let your provider know.
Common questions about Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
After receiving Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), your eyes won't be able to naturally react to light as they usually do. This means you'll be sensitive to light. To avoid discomfort and pain, you should wear sunglasses when you're outside during the day until your eyes have fully recovered. Additionally, your vision might be a little blurry. Don't drive until your eyes have recovered.
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) starts to work within 15 to 30 minutes, reaching its peak effect within 20 to 90 minutes. Your provider will use a device to spray a mist onto the outside of your eye before the examination. Depending on how your eye responds, you might need more doses.
After receiving Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), your eyes should go back to normal after 3 to 8 hours. But, in some cases, it can take up to 24 hours for complete recovery.
If you wear contact lenses, take them out at least 10 minutes before receiving Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine). Then, your provider will let you know when it's safe for you to put the contact lenses back in your eyes.
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Risks and warnings for Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
High blood pressure
- Risk factors: Heart problems | Thyroid problems | Children younger than 5 years old
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) can raise your blood pressure, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Additionally, you have a higher risk if you've a history of heart conditions or thyroid problems. For people at higher risk, your provider might ask you to monitor your blood pressure after receiving treatment.
Behavioral problems in children
Although very rare, Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), can cause psychotic and behavior changes in children potentially caused by the phenylephrine component of the medication. Watch for any signs, including abnormal behavior, hallucinations, or aggression, and let your child's provider know right away.
High eye pressure
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) can temporarily raise the pressure in your eye, which can interfere with medications that are used to lower eye pressure. Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking before using Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine), especially if you're taking medications for your eye.
Rebound pupil constriction
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) is used to widen your pupils, but it's possible for your pupils to be more constricted (tighter) more than usual a day after receiving the medication. This could mean that Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) won't work as well the next time you receive it.
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) dosage
Typical dosage for Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
The typical dose is 1 spray into the cornea of each eye that needs dilation.
If necessary, your provider might repeat the dose after 5 minutes.
Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to tropicamide or phenylephrine
