DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic (tet ra hye DRAW zah leen)
Brand Names: Clarine, Eye-Sine, Geneye Extra, Geneyes, Murine Plus, Opti-Clear, Optigene 3, Tetrasine, Tetrasine EX, Visine, Visine Extra

What is Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes.

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is used to relieve redness, burning, irritation, and dryness of the eyes caused by wind, sun, and other minor irritants.

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

What is the most important information I should know about Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline 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 tetrahydrozoline 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 tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the direction of your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?

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

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 tetrahydrozoline 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 tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline passes into breast milk. Do not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?

Use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.

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

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Do not use tetrahydrozoline 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 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. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be harmful. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline 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.

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

Do not use tetrahydrozoline 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.

Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• an irregular or fast heart rate; or

• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or flushed skin).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

• burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;

• tearing or blurred vision;

• headache;

• tremor;

• nausea;

• sweating;

• nervousness;

• dizziness; or

• drowsiness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Optigene 3 (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Although drug interactions between tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic and drugs taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil); or

• a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), or labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate).

You may not be able to use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is available over-the-counter under the brand names Collyrium Fresh, Eyesine, Geneye, Mallazine, Murine Plus, Optigene 3, Tetrasine, and Tetrasine Extra. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is unfamiliar to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.02. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:01:16 PM.