Tetrahydrozoline (Visine) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use tetrahydrozoline?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use tetrahydrozoline.

• Tetrahydrozoline
• Visine Red Eye Comfort
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tetrahydrozoline products they stock.

What should I know about tetrahydrozoline before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with your product. Do not use it more often than recommended on the label. Doing so may worsen eye redness.

Tetrahydrozoline is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep tetrahydrozoline out of the reach of children.

You should not use tetrahydrozoline if the liquid changes color or is cloudy. 

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using tetrahydrozoline. You may need to wait 15 minutes before putting contact lenses back in your eyes. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you have any questions. 

Eye infections may occur if your tetrahydrozoline eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Put the lid back on the drops after each use. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you think you have an eye infection. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eyes, blurry vision or irritation, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

Stop using tetrahydrozoline if any of the following happen.

• You have vision changes or eye pain
• Your eye redness or irritation gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours

Your pupils (the black circle in the center of your eye) may get bigger for a little while after using this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using tetrahydrozoline?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if tetrahydrozoline is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Narrow-angle glaucoma, also known as angle-closure glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Hyperthyroidism

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tetrahydrozoline could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use tetrahydrozoline while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tetrahydrozoline passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use tetrahydrozoline while breastfeeding.