Tetrahydrozoline

Generic name: tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic
Brand names: Altazine, Geneye Extra, Geneyes, Opti-Clear, Optigene 3,
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.05%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD

What is tetrahydrozoline?

Tetrahydrozoline is a prescription medicine that is used to treat nose stuffiness.

Before taking tetrahydrozoline, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to tetrahydrozoline; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
If the patient is a child. Some doses of tetrahydrozoline must not be used in children. Some doses of tetrahydrozoline may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with tetrahydrozoline.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take tetrahydrozoline with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take tetrahydrozoline?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take tetrahydrozoline. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
Do not use more than what your doctor told you to use. Do not use more often or longer than what you were told. Doing any of these things may raise the chance of very bad side effects.
If you use tetrahydrozoline too often, your stuffy nose may get worse.
This medicine may cause harm if swallowed or if too much is used. The chance is higher in children. If tetrahydrozoline is swallowed or too much is used, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using tetrahydrozoline while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is tetrahydrozoline best taken?

Use tetrahydrozoline as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Do not take tetrahydrozoline by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn).
Blow your nose before use.
Do not tilt your head back before using tetrahydrozoline.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you use tetrahydrozoline on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Many times tetrahydrozoline is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of tetrahydrozoline that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or passing out.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Shakiness.
Very bad headache.
Very bad dizziness.
Pale skin.
Sweating a lot.
Feeling sleepy.
Feeling very tired or weak.
Not able to sleep.

What are some other side effects of tetrahydrozoline?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Sneezing.
Burning.
Stinging.
Dry nose.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out tetrahydrozoline?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Do not use if solution changes color.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

RUGBY TETRAHYDROZOLINE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

SRC: NLM .

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