What it does
Tetryzoline is a medication commonly used to relieve redness and irritation in the eyes.
Commonly used for: eye redness, eye irritation
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:42:31 · updated 2026-07-20 11:16:56
About this medicine
Tetryzoline is a medication commonly used to relieve redness and irritation in the eyes.
What it treats
- eye redness
- eye irritation
How it works
Tetryzoline works by narrowing the blood vessels in the eyes, which reduces redness and swelling.
Who it's for
This medication is suitable for adults and children who have red or irritated eyes.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: tetryzoline
BNF-referencedTetryzoline is a sympathomimetic amine that acts as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, primarily used for its vasoconstrictive and decongestant properties. It is commonly employed in the treatment of ocular irritation and nasal congestion, typically associated with allergic rhinitis. Its mechanism of action involves the stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and alleviation of symptoms such as redness in the eyes and nasal passages.
Indications
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nasal congestion
- Ocular irritation
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing information.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Tetryzoline selectively activates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate vasoconstriction. This action reduces vascular permeability and alleviates the symptoms of ocular irritation and nasal congestion caused by vasodilation in the conjunctival and nasal capillaries.
Pharmacodynamics
Tetryzoline exhibits vasoconstricting and decongestant effects by constricting small arterioles in the nasal passages and conjunctival blood vessels. It is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which may lead to additional effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, analgesia, hypothermia, sedation, and hypnosis due to its action on alpha-2 adrenoceptors and imidazole receptors.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of tetryzoline involve absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics typical of sympathomimetic agents. Specific data on half-life, peak plasma concentrations, and elimination routes are not provided in the source material, hence further literature should be consulted for detailed pharmacokinetic parameters.
Adverse effects
- Local irritation
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Dryness of the nasal mucosa
- Rebound congestion with prolonged use
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Use with caution in patients with hypertension
- Avoid prolonged use to prevent rebound congestion
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy has not been established; use only if clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether tetryzoline is excreted in human milk; caution is advised.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Formulations
- Ophthalmic solution
- Nasal spray
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: tetryzoline
PubChem CID 5419Molecular formula: C13H16N2
Mechanism of action
Adrenergic receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) that regulate vascular tone: stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors leads to vasoconstriction. Ocular redness and nasal congestion often result from vasodilation of nasal, conjunctival, and corneal capillary blood vessels. Activation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors have been therefore associated with a reduction of symptoms of ocular irritation and nasal congestion. Tetryzoline is a selective agonist of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction and alleviating ocular and nasal symptoms.
Pharmacodynamics
Tetryzoline is a sympathomimetic amine and an alpha-adrenergic agonist with vasoconstricting and decongestant properties. It works by constricting the smaller arterioles of the nasal passages and conjunctival blood vessels to ameliorate allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, and ocular irritation. Tetryzoline is known to cross the blood-brain barrier to work on alpha-2 adrenoceptors and imidazole receptors, causing effects like hypotension, bradycardia, analgesia, hypothermia, sedation, and hypnosis.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.