Homatropine+phenylephrine
About Homatropine+phenylephrine
Homatropine+phenylephrine belongs to a group of medicines called Mydriatics and Cycloplegics, used to dilate the pupil and manage pre- and post-operative conditions that require mydriasis and cycloplegia. Mydriasis occurs when the pupils (the black part of the eye that controls light entry) become larger or dilated. Cycloplegia is the temporary paralysis of the eye's ciliary muscle (a muscle responsible for adjusting the lens shape), leading to pupil dilation and a loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects.
Homatropine+phenylephrine is a combination of two drugs: Homatropine and Phenylephrine. Homatropine works by relaxing the muscles in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) by blocking specific receptors in the eye, causing the pupil to dilate. Phenylephrine works locally to narrow blood vessels in the eye and widen the pupil by stimulating the iris dilator muscle (a muscle that expands the pupil to allow more light into the eye).
Homatropine+phenylephrine is for ophthalmic use only. You are advised to use Homatropine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has recommended it, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Homatropine+phenylephrine may cause common side effects such as stinging or burning sensation, redness, and irritation of the eyes. Most of these side effects will resolve gradually over time and do not require medical attention. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before using Homatropine+phenylephrine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components and about all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking especially eye medications. Also, tell your doctor if you have any other eye conditions or have ever had glaucoma (high pressure in the eye). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting Homatropine+phenylephrine. Homatropine+phenylephrine should be used for children only if advised by a doctor.
Uses of Homatropine+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Homatropine+phenylephrine belongs to a group of medicines called Mydriatics and Cycloplegics, used to manage pre- and post-operative conditions that require mydriasis (enlarged pupils) and cycloplegia (temporary paralysis of the eye muscles). It contains Homatropine and Phenylephrine. Homatropine is an anticholinergic agent that dilates the pupil by relaxing the muscles in the iris, while Phenylephrine is an adrenergic receptor agonist that dilates the pupil by constricting the blood vessels in the eye and stimulating a certain muscle in the iris that expands the pupil to allow more light into the eye. Together, these medications help keep the pupil dilated as required for eye surgeries.
Directions for Use
Homatropine+phenylephrine is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using Homatropine+phenylephrine. Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops as advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Replace the outer cap after use. Do not touch the container’s tip to the eye, eyelids or surrounding areas as it may contaminate Homatropine+phenylephrine.
Storage
Side Effects of Homatropine+phenylephrine
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Eye redness
- Eye irritation
Drug Warnings
Use Homatropine+phenylephrine only if prescribed by your doctor. Do not use Homatropine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, especially eye medications. Also, inform your doctor if you have any other eye conditions or ever had glaucoma (high pressure in the eye). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting Homatropine+phenylephrine. If you experience eye pain or vision changes, or if redness or irritation lasts more than 72 hours, stop using it and consult your doctor. Do not use two eye medications together; maintain a gap of at least 5-10 minutes between them. Also, Homatropine+phenylephrine may make your eyes sensitive to light, so wear dark sunglasses outdoors. After using Homatropine+phenylephrine, your vision may become blurry, so do not drive. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Homatropine+phenylephrine, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using the medication. Homatropine+phenylephrine should be used for children only if advised by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Homatropine+phenylephrine may interact with certain ophthalmic medications such as cholinergic agonists (acetylcholine, pilocarpine) and cholinesterase inhibitors (demecarium bromide, echothiophate iodide, isoflurophate, physostigmine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma or any other eye problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Homatropine+phenylephrine is unknown. Please discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThere is limited information on the safety of Homatropine+phenylephrine during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will assess the potential benefits and risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Homatropine+phenylephrine passes in breast milk. Please consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will assess the potential benefits and risks.
Driving
cautionHomatropine+phenylephrine may cause blurred vision. So, avoid driving or operating machinery that requires alertness.
Liver
safe if prescribedHomatropine+phenylephrine is safe to use if prescribed by a doctor in case you have a liver problem.
Kidney
safe if prescribedHomatropine+phenylephrine is safe to use if prescribed by a doctor in case you have a kidney problem.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have concerns regarding the safety of Homatropine+phenylephrine in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Visit an optician regularly to monitor your eye problem.
- Limit screen time and take breaks to prevent eye strain.
- Consume fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A and C to improve vision.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Mydriasis: It occurs when the pupils (the black part of the eye that controls light entry) become larger or dilated.
Cycloplegia: It is the temporary paralysis of the eye's ciliary muscle (a muscle responsible for adjusting the lens shape), leading to pupil dilation and a loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects.
Eye surgery: Certain eye surgeries like cataract surgery and lens replacement often require the pupil to be widened (dilated), a process called mydriasis. Special eye drops are used to make the pupil larger, giving the surgeon a better view of the inside of the eye. Sometimes, another treatment called cycloplegia is used, which temporarily relaxes the eye's focusing muscles. This helps keep the eye still and makes the surgery easier and more precise, particularly in cataract surgeries. These steps help ensure the surgery goes smoothly and lead to better results after the procedure.
FAQs
Homatropine+phenylephrine is used to dilate the pupil and manage pre and post-operative conditions that require mydriasis (enlarged pupils) and cycloplegia (temporary paralysis of a muscle in the eye).
Homatropine+phenylephrine contains two medicines: Homatropine and Phenylephrine. Homatropine works by relaxing the muscles in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) by blocking certain receptors in the eye, and causing the pupil to dilate. Phenylephrine works locally to narrow blood vessels in the eye and dilate the pupil by stimulating the iris dilator muscle (a muscle that expands the pupil to allow more light into the eye).
Homatropine+phenylephrine may cause common side effects such as stinging or burning sensation, redness, and irritation of the eyes. Most of these side effects will resolve gradually over time and do not require medical attention. However, if these side effects persistent or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Homatropine+phenylephrine may cause blurred vision after using it. So, you should not drive or do anything that requires alertness.
No, you should not use Homatropine+phenylephrine if you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye) to avoid unwanted side effects.
Do not use Homatropine+phenylephrine in more than the recommended dose as it might cause unpleasant side effects. Therefore, use Homatropine+phenylephrine only in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
Yes, Homatropine+phenylephrine may cause increased sensitivity of the eye. Therefore, while going out, cover your eyes with dark-coloured sunglasses.