Generic Name: tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic (TE tra hye DROZ oh leen)
Brand Names: Altazine, Geneye Extra, Geneyes, Opti-Clear, Optigene 3, Redness Relief, Redness Relief Original, Visine, Visine Maximum Redness Relief, Vision Clear
What is Altazine (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?
Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic narrows the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your eyes.
Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic (for the eyes) 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 not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Altazine (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?
Do not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic without medical advice if you have glaucoma. 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 tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in. Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic more often than recommended, or use it for longer than 48 to 72 hours without medical advice. Long-term use of this medication may damage the blood vessels in the eyes. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Altazine (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?
Do not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic without medical advice if you have glaucoma.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:
heart disease or coronary artery disease;
high blood pressure;
diabetes; or
a thyroid disorder.
FDA pregnancy category C. 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 nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child without a doctor's advice.
How should I use Altazine (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.
Do not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic more often than recommended, or use it for longer than 48 to 72 hours without medical advice. Long-term use of this medication may damage the blood vessels in the eyes. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using tetrahydrozoline before putting your contact lenses in. Wash your hands before and after 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 as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
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. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Altazine (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.
Altazine (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic) side effects
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 a serious side effect such as:
severe burning, stinging, swelling, or other irritation after using the eye drops;
fast or pounding heartbeats; or
dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:
burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;
tearing or blurred vision;
nausea;
nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
headache.
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 Altazine (tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic)?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
a beta blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Altazine resources
- Altazine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Altazine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Altazine Drug Interactions
- Altazine Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Altazine - Add your own review/rating
- Clarinex Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Visine Eye Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Altazine with other medications
- Eye Dryness/Redness
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic.
See also: Altazine side effects (in more detail)
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