Temporary relief of conjunctival congestion, itching, and minor irritation.
Used alone or in fixed combination with astringents (i.e., zinc sulfate).
Controls hyperemia in patients with superficial corneal vascularity.
Ineffective in the treatment of delayed hypersensitivity reactions such as contact dermatoconjunctivitis.
Used for vasoconstrictor effect during some ocular diagnostic procedures; phenylephrine may be preferred.
Dosage and Administration
Administration
Apply topically to nasal mucosa or to conjunctiva.
Avoid contamination of the dropper tip or spray dispenser.
Intranasal Administration
Apply topically to the nasal mucosa as drops or spray.
Nasal sprays preferable due to a decreased risk of swallowing the drug and resultant systemic absorption; however, drops are easier to administer to young children.
Apply nasal drops to the dependent (lower) nostril with the patient in a lateral, head-low position. Remain in the same position for 5 minutes, then apply drops to the other nostril in a similar manner. Alternatively, instill drops while in a reclining position, with head tilted back as far as possible.
Administer nasal spray into each nostril while head is erect. Squeeze bottle quickly and firmly and sniff briskly; blow nose thoroughly after 3–5 minutes.
Rinse tips of dispensers or droppers thoroughly with hot water following use.
Ophthalmic Administration
Apply ophthalmic solution topically to the conjunctiva.
Remove contact lenses before administering ophthalmic solution; wait ≥15 minutes to reinsert contact lenses.
Do not administer discolored or cloudy solution.
Dosage
Available as tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.
Pediatric Patients
Nasal Congestion
Intranasal
Children 2–5 years of age: 2–3 drops of a 0.05% solution in each nostril every 3–6 hours (typically 4–6 hours) as needed.
Children ≥6 years of age: 2–4 drops or 3–4 sprays of a 0.1% solution in each nostril every 3–8 hours (typically 4–8 hours) as needed.
Conjunctival Congestion
Ophthalmic
Children ≥6 years of age: 1–2 drops of a 0.05% ophthalmic solution in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily.
Adults
Nasal Congestion
Intranasal
2–4 drops or 3–4 sprays of 0.1% solution in each nostril every 3–8 hours (typically 4–8 hours) as needed.
Conjunctival Congestion
Ophthalmic
1–2 drops of a 0.05% ophthalmic solution in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily.
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Nasal Congestion
Intranasal
Maximum of every 3 hours; maximum duration of 3–5 days.
Conjunctival Congestion
Ophthalmic
For self-medication: Maximum of 4 times daily; maximum duration of 3–4 days, unless directed by a clinician.
Adults
Nasal Congestion
Intranasal
Maximum of every 3 hours; maximum duration 3–5 days.
Conjunctival Congestion
Ophthalmic
For self-medication: Maximum of 4 times daily; maximum duration of 3–4 days, unless directed by a clinician.
Special Populations
No special population dosage recommendations at this time.
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