Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic
tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
What is the most important information I should know about tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, or vision changes.
What is tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
What is tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
Tetrahydrozoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.
Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness, swelling, or draining caused by minor irritants.
Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
You should not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- glaucoma;
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- an eye injury or infection.
It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
How should I take tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use only the number of drops recommended.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.
What should I avoid while taking tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
What should I avoid while taking tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
What are the possible side effects of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
What are the possible side effects of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:
- ongoing or worsening eye redness;
- eye pain;
- changes in your vision;
- chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
- severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- mild burning or stinging of the eye;
- blurred vision, watery eyes; or
- dilated pupils.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
What other drugs will affect tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on tetrahydrozoline used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>