phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

phenylephrine-zinc ophthalmic, Zincfrin

What is the most important information I should know about phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.

Do not use phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to worsen.

Do not use phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the direction of your doctor.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

What is phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic?

Phenylephrine ophthalmic causes decongestion in the eye by constricting blood vessels in the eye.

Zinc is used as an astringent to gently clear proteins and mucous from the outer surface of the eye.

Phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic is used to relieve redness, burning, irritation, and dryness of the eye caused by wind, sun, smoke, smog, and other minor irritants.

Phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic?

Do not use phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the supervision of your doctor.

Do not use phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic after eye surgery, if you have an eye infection, if you have an eye injury, or if you have a problem with the normal tearing of your eyes without first talking to your doctor. Using phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic under these circumstances could lead to absorption of the drug into your body, and the side effects could affect the heart.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure;

• take any medicines to treat a heart condition;

• have asthma;

• have diabetes; or

• have thyroid problems.

You may not be able to use phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether phenylephrine and zinc pass into breast milk. Do not use phenylephrine and zinc ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.