TETRAHYDROZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE
| TETRAHYDROZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE (tet-ra-hye-drozz'a-leen) Collyrium, Mallazine, Murine Plus, Optigene, Soothe, Tyzine, Visine Classifications: eye, ear, nose, and throat preparation; vasoconstrictor; decongestant; Therapeutic: nasal decongestant; vasoconstrictor Prototype: Naphazoline Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
0.05% ophthalmic solution; 0.05%, 0.1% nasal solution
Action
Alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes intense vasoconstriction when applied topically to mucous membranes. Also causes vasoconstriction when applied as eyedrops.
Therapeutic Effect
Ophthalmic solution is effective for allergic reactions of the eye; nasal solution is antiinflammatory and also decreases allergic congestion.
Uses
Symptomatic relief of minor eye irritation and allergies and for nasopharyngeal congestion of allergic or inflammatory origin.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component; use of ophthalmic preparation in glaucoma or other serious eye diseases; use within 14 d of MAO inhibitor therapy. Use in children <2 y; use of 0.1% or higher strengths in children <6 y; pregnancy (category C).
Cautious Use
Hypertension; cardiovascular disease; hyperthyroidism; diabetes mellitus; young children; lactation.
Route & Dosage
| Decongestant Adult: Ophthalmic See Appendix A-1 Nasal 2–4 drops of 0.1% solution or spray in each nostril q3h prn Child: Nasal 2–6 y, 2–4 drops of 0.05% solution or spray in each nostril q3h prn; ≥6 y, same as adult |
Administration
Instillation- Make sure interval between doses is at least 4–6 h since drug action lasts 4–8 h.
- Place patient in upright position when using nasal spray. (If patient is reclining, a stream rather than a spray may be ejected, with consequent overdosage.)
- Use lateral, head-low position to administer nasal drops.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Special Senses: Transient stinging, irritation, sneezing, dryness, headache, tremors, drowsiness, light-headedness, insomnia, palpitation. Body as a Whole: With overdose: marked drowsiness, sweating, coma, hypotension, shock, bradycardia.Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: May be absorbed from nasal mucosa. Duration: 4–8 h.Nursing Implications
Patient & Family Education
- Discontinue medication and consult physician if relief is not obtained within 48 h or if symptoms persist or increase.
- Do not exceed recommended dosage. Rebound congestion and rhinitis may occur with frequent or prolonged use of nasal preparation.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug