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Phenylephrine Coupon - Phenylephrine 2ml of 2.5% eye dropper

phenylephrine

Generic AK-Dilate
Used for Pupil Dilation, Hypotension
Used for Pupil Dilation, Hypotension

Phenylephrine eye drops are used to dilate (widen) pupils for eye exams or certain eye procedures. Side effects include temporary burning or stinging in the eye, blurry vision, and possibly raise your blood pressure. Let your provider know if your pregnant or breastfeeding because you might need to use a different medication.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 6, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Phenylephrine eye drops?

What is Phenylephrine eye drops used for?

  • Dilate (widen) pupils

How Phenylephrine eye drops works

Phenylephrine eye drops is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist. It stimulates a muscle in your eye to cause your pupils to widen (dilate) for eye exams or before certain eye procedures.

Are you looking for information on phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) tablet or phenylephrine nasal spray (Neo-Synephrine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAK-Dilate (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassAlpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$44.01(save 57.97%)
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$18.50
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What are the side effects of Phenylephrine eye drops?

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 stinging or burning in your eye
  • Temporary blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Heart attack: Chest pain or tightness, pain that spreads up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw, trouble breathing, cold sweat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

Less common with 10% solution; rare with 2.5% or weaker solution

Dizziness

fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

increased sweating

increase in blood pressure

paleness

trembling

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common with 2.5 or 10% solution

Burning or stinging of eyes

headache or browache

sensitivity of eyes to light

watering of eyes

Less common

Eye irritation not present before use of this medicine

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Phenylephrine eye drops

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be used in adults and children

Starts working quickly (within 15 minutes)

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

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Cons

Can cause eye pain and stinging

Dilating effects can last for up to 7 hours (or longer)

The 10% strength can raise blood pressure in people with certain heart or thyroid problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Phenylephrine eye drops

pharmacist

  • Before receiving phenylephrine eye drops, make sure to follow your provider's instructions for when to remove and put back your contact lens in your eye.

    • Make sure your provider knows if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems before using phenylephrine eye drops. This medication can cause significantly higher blood pressure in people with these conditions.

      • Phenylephrine eye drops can cause blurry vision and light sensitivity for up to 8 hours after receiving your dose. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to focus while your pupils are dilated.

        • After receiving phenylephrine eye drops, 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.

          • If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure to tell your provider before you use phenylephrine eye drops. It's not unknown how phenylephrine eye drops might affect your unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk. Your provider might choose to wait until you have given birth or are done breastfeeding before instructing you to use this medication.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Phenylephrine eye drops

            Does phenylephrine eye drops raise blood pressure?
            Yes, studies show that phenylephrine eye drops 10% can raise blood pressure, but phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% isn't likely to cause noticeable doesn't effects on blood pressure. On average, phenylephrine eye drops 10% strength raised blood pressure by an average of 15 mmHg at about 5 to 10 minutes after the dose. But about 20 to 30 minutes later, blood pressure levels started to go back to what it was before the medication. Babies and people with a history of high blood pressure seem to be at higher risk for blood pressure changes from phenylephrine eye drops.
            Is phenylephrine eye drops a stimulant?
            No, phenylephrine eye drops isn't a stimulant. But, although rare, it might cause some stimulant-like side effects, such as high blood pressure or fast heart rate. Tell your provider if you're taking a stimulant medication, such as medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), before receiving phenylephrine eye drops because you might be at higher risk for heart-related side effects.
            Does phenylephrine eye drops keep you awake?
            No, people using phenylephrine eye drops eye drops didn't report insomnia (difficulty sleeping) as a side effect during clinical studies. But it's possible that taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) tablets can keep you awake.
            How long does it take for phenylephrine eye drops to work?
            phenylephrine eye drops starts working within 15 minutes. Its full effects happen about 60 to 90 minutes after your dose.
            How long does phenylephrine eye drops stay in your system?
            Phenylephrine eye drops can stay in your system and keep your pupils dilated for up to 5 to 7 hours after the dose. It's likely that you won't be able to drive after using phenylephrine eye drops because this medication can cause blurry vision and make you more sensitive to light. If you're getting an eye exam or procedure done, your healthcare provider will check with you to see if you're safe to drive or let you know ahead of time if you'll need to have someone else drive you. Additionally, if you're having side effects from phenylephrine eye drops, they might last up until the time it takes for the medication to clear out of your system.
            Can I wear contacts when I use phenylephrine eye drops?
            Phenylephrine eye drops is typically used to dilate your pupils before an eye exam or procedure. Your healthcare provider will ask you to remove your contact lenses so they can perform the procedure. They will let you know when it's safe to put your contact lenses back in again. For comfort, it might be better to wear your glasses that day instead, as the medication's effects can last for several hours. In addition, this medication contains a preservative (to prevent germ growth), called benzalkonium, which can stain your contact lenses.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Phenylephrine eye drops?

            Phenylephrine eye drops 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.

            risk-warning

            For use in the eyes only

            While phenylephrine is available in tablet and nasal spray forms, phenylephrine eye drops should only be used in your eyes. Don't give yourself this medication any other way. If you or someone else takes phenylephrine eye drops by mouth, get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

            risk-warning

            Heart problems

            • Risk factors: History of heart problems | Using the 10% strength of phenylephrine eye drops

              There have been some reports of serious heart problems, including heart attacks and heart rhythm problems in people who use phenylephrine eye drops 10%. If you have heart problems, let your provider know because you'll need to use the lower strength (phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%) of this medication. Get medical help right away if you experience irregular heartbeat, chest pain, arm pain, shortness of breath, or a cold sweat.

              risk-warning

              High blood pressure

              • Risk factors: Using the 10% strength of phenylephrine eye drops | Age under 5 years old | High thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism) | Heart problems | High blood pressure

                Although rare, phenylephrine eye drops can raise your blood pressure, especially if you have a history of heart or blood pressure problems, thyroid problems, or are using the 10% strength of phenylephrine eye drops. If you're already at risk for high blood pressure or if your blood pressure isn't under control, your provider will need to prescribe the lower strength (phenylephrine eye drops 2.5%) of this medication. If you get severe headaches, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain while taking phenylephrine eye drops, stop taking it and seek medical attention right away.

                risk-warning

                Rebound pupil constriction

                Phenylephrine eye drops 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. Applying more phenylephrine eye drops won't work as well as the first time.

                dosage

                Phenylephrine eye drops dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 2ml of 2.5% of Phenylephrine eye drops is $18.86 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 57.15% off the average retail price of $44.01.
                eye dropper
                Eye dropper
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                2ml of 2.5%1 eye dropper$18.86$18.86
                15ml of 2.5%1 eye dropper$37.19$37.19
                5ml of 10%1 eye dropper$18.50$18.50

                Typical dosing for Phenylephrine eye drops

                The typical dose is 1 drop into the eye every 3 to 5 minutes as needed, for a maximum of 3 drops total.

                Adults and children 1 year of age and older can use either phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% or 10% strengths. Children under 1 year of age should only use phenylephrine eye drops 2.5% strength.

                interactions

                Interactions between Phenylephrine eye drops and other drugs

                Phenylephrine eye drops may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Phenylephrine eye drops. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                drug-cost

                How much does Phenylephrine eye drops cost?

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                Phenylephrine eye drops (generic)
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                contraindications-icon

                Phenylephrine eye drops 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 Phenylephrine eye drops will not be safe for you to take.

                • 10% strength only: Use in people with heart problems, thyroid problems, and children less than 1 year of age

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Phenylephrine eye drops?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Phenylephrine eye drops. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Phenylephrine eye drops
                Used for:

                • Dilate (widen) pupils

                $18.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Tropicamide (Mydriacyl)
                Used for:

                • Dilate pupils for diagnostic procedures

                $14.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Mydcombi (tropicamide / phenylephrine)
                Used for:

                • Dilate pupils for eye examinations

                View Prices
                images

                Phenylephrine eye drops images

                yellow - Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                yellow - Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                yellow - Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution
                This medicine is Yellow Eye Dropper.yellow - Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Bausch & Lomb Americas Inc. (2023). Phenylephrine hydrochloride solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Kazemi, A., et al. (2021). Effect of topical phenylephrine 2.5% on episcleral venous pressure in normal human eyes. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

                Merchel Piovesan Pereira, B., et al. (2019). Benzalkonium chlorides: Uses, regulatory status, and microbial resistance. Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

                View All References (2)

                National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report: Overview.

                Stavert, B., et al. (2015). Cardiovascular adverse effects of phenylephrine eyedrops: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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