What is Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

Tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic narrows the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

You not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic without a doctor’s advice if you have glaucoma.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease or coronary artery disease
• high blood pressure
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid disorder

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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.

What are the possible side effects of Altazine (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 and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe burning, stinging, redness, or swelling of your nose
• fast or pounding heartbeats; or
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Altazine Interactions

What other drugs affect Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you also use any of the following drugs:

• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others

This is not a complete list and there may be other drugs that can interact with tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Do not use any other eye medications that have not been prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Do not use tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses take them out or talk to your doctor before using the medication.

Altazine Dosage

How should I take Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger 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 a doctor’s 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.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.

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.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper 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. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop
• 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 use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I overdose on Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

An overdose of tetrahydrozoline ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Altazine (Tetrahydrozoline Ophthalmic)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com