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Phenylephrine Ophthalmic

Prescription
Ophthalmic Alpha-1 Adrenergic Agonist / Mydriatic
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Direct alpha-1 adrenergic agonist that contracts the iris dilator muscle causing mydriasis WITHOUT cycloplegia (no ciliary body effect). Short duration (3–6h). Used for diagnostic mydriasis and differentiation of anterior vs. posterior synechiae.

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic Alpha-1 Adrenergic Agonist / Mydriatic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light; discard if brown (oxidized)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for diagnostic fundoscopy (shorter mydriasis than atropine — 3–6h)
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
Once for diagnostic; q4–6h if therapeutic
🐈

Cat

Use only 2
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
Once for diagnostic
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light; discard if brown (oxidized)

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Pupil dilation responseBlood pressure (10% solution)IOP (glaucoma risk)
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Mydfrin
Neo-Synephrine Ophthalmic

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Phenylephrine Ophthalmic?
Phenylephrine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic alpha-1 adrenergic agonist / mydriatic used in pets. Direct alpha-1 adrenergic agonist that contracts the iris dilator muscle causing mydriasis WITHOUT cycloplegia (no ciliary body effect). Short duration (3–6h). Used for diagnostic mydriasis and differentiation of anterior vs. posterior synechiae.
What is Phenylephrine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Phenylephrine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for diagnostic fundoscopy (shorter mydriasis than atropine — 3–6h); Use only 2.
What is the Phenylephrine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Phenylephrine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for diagnostic fundoscopy (shorter mydriasis than atropine — 3–6h): undefined undefined Ophthalmic Once for diagnostic; q4–6h if therapeutic. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Phenylephrine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Phenylephrine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Use only 2: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Once for diagnostic. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Phenylephrine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Phenylephrine Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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