.

TETRAHYDROZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Medical Diagnosis and Drugs, Medications
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

(23)