Have you ever been to an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eyes? You probably remember when you go, they put some eye drops in your eyes before the eye exam. After that, your vision becomes blurry for a while, and you have trouble looking at bright light, right? One type of medicine used in such cases is phenylephrine. Today, we will talk briefly about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is Phenylephrine? Why do you put it in your eyes?
Simply put, this is not a medicine that will cure your eye disease. It is used to dilate the black hole inside the eye, which is what we call the pupil in English.
Imagine that the doctor wants to see the important parts of your eye, such as the retina, at the back of your eye. Just like shining a flashlight into a dark corner of a room, he needs to shine more light into the eye and make the black hole bigger to see inside. That's what these drops do. After applying them, the black hole temporarily stops being sensitive to light. This allows the doctor to examine your eye without any obstruction.
The important thing is that this medicine is used to facilitate diagnostic tests for eye diseases, not to cure an eye disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Okay, now before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you some questions. Also, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor. This is very important.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease.
- High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure.
- Thyroid disease: If there is a problem with the thyroid gland.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine called Phenylephrine, to a chemical called sulfites, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding her child.
By keeping this information in mind and telling your doctor, he or she can make an accurate decision about whether or not it is appropriate to give you this medication.
How do you apply this medicine correctly to your eyes?
This medicine is for eye use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you, and in the amount he tells you.
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Turn your head back a little and look up.
3. With your index finger, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
4. Put the number of drops of medicine prescribed by the doctor into the prepared bag.
5. Most importantly: Do not let the tip of the medicine bottle touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs and cause infection.
6. After applying the medicine, wait about 30 seconds without blinking.
7. Then, gently close your eyes and gently press the inner corner of your eye and nose with your finger for about a minute or two. This will reduce the chance of the medicine going down your nose and into your throat and being absorbed into your body.
This medicine is prescribed by doctors for young children, even very newborn babies, in special cases. But there are special precautions for it. So if you are using this for a child, talk to a pediatrician about it.
Side effects and things we need to be careful about
Like any medication, this one can have some side effects. It's important to know what they are.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel like you're having trouble breathing. |
| Chest pain or changes in heartbeat | If you feel chest pain, your heart is beating fast, or your heart rhythm seems to have changed. |
| Eye pain or vision changes | If your eyes hurt, or you see new floating spots in your vision. |
| The state of being | Dizziness , if your eyes are blue and feel like they are going to fall out. |
| 🙂 Usually there is nothing to worry about, but if it persists, you should tell your doctor about the symptoms. | |
| Blurred vision or eye irritation | It is normal to experience blurred vision and a slight burning sensation in the eyes for a while after applying the medication. |
| Headache | You may experience a mild headache. |
Other things to consider
- Driving: As your vision may become blurred after taking this medicine, do not drive or operate machinery for any reason. Wait until your vision is completely clear again.
- Sensitivity to light: Your eyes can be very sensitive to light. So it's a good idea to wear a pair of sunglasses when going outside. Avoid looking directly at bright light.
A few other important points
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Interactions with other medications
It is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications while using this medicine. Phenylephrine can interact with these medications in particular:
- Atropine
- Medications called MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
- Medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses
- Medication for high blood pressure
Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you take. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius) away from light.
- If the medicine liquid has turned brown or if you see particles inside, do not use it.
- Throw away expired medicine bottles.
Take-Home Message
- Phenylephrine eye drops are not a medicine that cures an eye disease, but a medicine that helps with eye examination.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially heart disease, high blood pressure) and any other medications you are taking.
- When applying the medicine to the eye, do not let the mouth of the bottle touch your eyes or fingers.
- As vision may be blurred after using this medicine, do not drive until your vision clears. Wearing sunglasses is good for your eyes.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
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