This is an automatically translated article.
Phenylephrine is a commonly used decongestant because of its vasoconstrictor effects. In addition, this active ingredient is also used for eye drops with the drug product Altafrin. So what does Altafrin do?
1. What does Altafrin do?
Altafrin is an eye drop solution containing the active ingredient Phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is an active ingredient that causes vasoconstriction, mainly used for nasal decongestant purposes. For eye drops, Altafrin has the ability to relieve red, dry eyes or burning and irritation caused by environmental factors such as wind, sun and other irritants. Altafrin is prescribed by a doctor for the purpose of constricting blood vessels in the eye, dilating the pupils in glaucoma, or used before surgery or eye exams.
In addition, in some cases Altafrin eye drops are used for some other purpose not listed in the instructions for use.
2. Some warnings when taking Altafrin
Although indicated in glaucoma, patients absolutely should not use Altafrin if they have closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma.
Patients should not use Altafrin if there is a history of allergy to Phenylephrine.
At the same time, people with the following problems should not use Altafrin without the consent of an ophthalmologist:
Have eye infections; Eye injury; Recently had eye surgery. Any of the above conditions can cause the eyes to absorb Altafrin into the body, which in turn can lead to dangerous effects on cardiovascular function.
At the same time, before taking Altafrin, patients need to discuss with their doctor or pharmacist about safety if there are some comorbidities, especially:
Hypertension; Any cardiovascular disease; Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease; Bronchial asthma or allergy to sulfite group active ingredients. According to the FDA, the safety level of Altafrin during pregnancy is classified as Category C, and the harmful effects of the drug on the fetus are unknown. Therefore, patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Altafrin. In addition, current studies still do not know the ability of eye drops containing Phenylephrine to pass into breast milk, in case the drug is excreted in breast milk, the risks are still unknown. This requires mothers who are prescribed Altafrin to tell their doctor if they are breast-feeding.
Do not use Altafrin in children because it is not recommended.
3. Instructions for using the drug Altafrin
Patients need to use Altafrin according to the instructions on the package or as prescribed by the ophthalmologist. Absolutely do not use Altafrin in larger doses, smaller than indicated or in eye drops for longer than recommended.
Steps for eye drops with Altafrin:
Wash hands before use; The patient tilts the head back slightly, then pulls the lower eyelid down to create a small pocket; One hand holds the dropper above the eye with the tip facing down; Look up, then put a drop of Altafrin solution in the eye; Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes, without blinking or squinting. At the same time, gently press the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the active substance Phenylephrine to drain the tear glands.
4. Some notes when using Altafrin
The patient only drops the eye drops exactly as prescribed by the doctor or as recommended on the drug label. In case of need to use more, the patient can use several times and each time is about 5 minutes apart; Note that you should wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops prescribed by your doctor; Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or let it come into direct contact with the eye. If you do not apply Altafrin drops, it can lead to eye infection and serious vision problems; Do not use Altafrin when the solution has changed color or has precipitated particles inside; While taking Altafrin, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often; Patients should not use Altafrin for more than 3 days. If symptoms do not improve or get worse while using Altafrin, the patient should immediately contact a doctor; Long-term use of Phenylephrine eye drops can damage the blood vessels (including veins and arteries) in the eye. Store Altafrin at room temperature, away from moisture, extreme heat and direct sunlight. At the same time, the cap of Altafrin must be tightly closed after each use.
5. Things to avoid when using Altafrin
Do not use Altafrin while wearing contact lenses because it may contain preservatives that affect the color of soft contact lenses. Patients need to wait at least 15 minutes after taking Altafrin before wearing contact lenses again.
Altafrin can cause blurred vision and reduce the patient's eye reflex. So be careful if you have to drive or do anything that requires clear vision.
6. Altafrin . side effects
Patients should get emergency medical treatment if they develop any signs of an allergic reaction to Phenylephrine such as skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Although there is a low risk of serious ocular side effects, Altafrin can cause some systemic side effects when Phenylephrine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Patients should stop using Altafrin and contact their doctor immediately if they have the following problems:
Fast or irregular heartbeat; Sweating, chills; Pale skin, feeling lightheaded; Severe headache, ringing in the ears; Feeling anxious; Shortness of breath ; Severe chest pain, which may radiate to the jaw or shoulder. In addition, some of the less serious side effects associated with Altafrin are more likely to occur, and in most cases there are no side effects.
7. Altafrin . Drug Interactions
Before starting Altafrin eye drops, the patient should tell the doctor if he or she has used an MAO inhibitor within the past 21 days. MAO inhibitors include Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, methylene blue, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, and others.
Other types of products may interact with Altafrin , including prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins and herbs... This requires the treating physician to be aware of all medications. patients who are currently using or have just started or stopped using the active ingredients while using Altafrin eye drops.
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