PREFRIN® Liquifilm Sterile Eye Drops
1. Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medication use should be based on the current package leaflet, the patient's clinical circumstances, and advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. Readers are responsible for independently verifying the information before relying on it.
2. Summary
PREFRIN® Liquifilm is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing phenylephrine hydrochloride 1.2 mg/mL (0.12%) together with polyvinyl alcohol (Liquifilm) 14 mg/mL (1.4%). Phenylephrine is an ophthalmic sympathomimetic with predominantly alpha-adrenergic vasoconstrictor activity, while polyvinyl alcohol provides a lubricating effect. The product is intended for the temporary relief of minor eye irritation and associated redness, and is not an anti-infective treatment.
3. Brand Name
PREFRIN® Liquifilm Sterile Eye Drops
The product is also referred to as Prefrin Liquifilm. Egyptian market references identify the product as a 15 mL ophthalmic preparation manufactured by EIPICO and associated with Allergan. (Vademecum)
4. Category
- Ophthalmic decongestant
- Ophthalmic sympathomimetic
- Alpha-adrenergic agonist
- Lubricating eye-drop combination
- ATC classification reported for the Egyptian product: S01GA55 – Phenylephrine, combinations. (Vademecum)
5. Active Ingredient
Phenylephrine hydrochloride
Each mL contains 1.2 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.12% w/v. Polyvinyl alcohol is present as a lubricating excipient rather than as the pharmacologically decongestant active ingredient.
The formulation also contains polyvinyl alcohol 14 mg/mL (Liquifilm). Accessible product information identifies benzalkonium chloride 0.005% w/v (0.05 mg/mL) as the preservative. (Allergan product information)
6. Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
Pharmaceutical form: Sterile ophthalmic solution / eye drops.
Strength per mL:
- Phenylephrine hydrochloride: 1.2 mg/mL (0.12%)
- Polyvinyl alcohol: 14 mg/mL (1.4%)
- Benzalkonium chloride: 0.005% w/v (0.05 mg/mL) as preservative in the Allergan product information. (Allergan product information)
The product is supplied in a 15 mL sterile dropper bottle.
7. Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
Egyptian market references identify Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries Company (EIPICO) as the local manufacturer and associate the product with Allergan. (Vademecum)
The exact current Egyptian marketing-authorisation-holder/legal status was not independently verifiable from a currently accessible Egyptian regulatory product leaflet. Therefore, the current pack and Egyptian regulatory record should be used for the legally precise MAH designation.
8. Mechanism of Action
Phenylephrine is a direct-acting alpha-adrenergic agonist. In the conjunctival vasculature, stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors produces vasoconstriction, reducing conjunctival hyperemia and thereby making the eye appear less red.
Phenylephrine can also produce mydriasis, which explains the product warning that pupil enlargement may occur in some individuals. Polyvinyl alcohol acts as a lubricant and helps reduce discomfort associated with ocular surface dryness or minor irritation.
9. Spectrum of Activity
No antimicrobial spectrum.
PREFRIN Liquifilm is not an antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, or antiparasitic ophthalmic medicine. Its effects are pharmacological and lubricating rather than anti-infective. It should not be relied upon to treat an eye infection. The product information specifically describes its use for minor irritation when no infection is present.
10. Pharmacokinetics
Product-specific pharmacokinetic data for PREFRIN Liquifilm were not identified in the accessible product information.
Because phenylephrine is administered topically to the eye, some systemic absorption can occur, particularly through the ocular surface and nasolacrimal drainage pathway. Excessive administration or increased systemic absorption may result in systemic sympathomimetic effects, including cardiovascular effects. Gentle eyelid closure and/or nasolacrimal occlusion after instillation can reduce systemic absorption of ophthalmic drugs.
11. Indications
PREFRIN Liquifilm is intended for the temporary relief of minor eye irritation and associated redness.
The Allergan product information describes irritation associated with situations such as:
- colds
- hay fever
- dust
- smog
- hard contact lenses
- sunlight
- swimming
- wind
The product is intended for use when no eye infection is present. Polyvinyl alcohol additionally provides lubrication and may relieve dryness or irritation. (Allergan product information)
12. Administration
Route: Ophthalmic use only.
For the Egyptian presentation, the labeled dosage is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to four times daily. The current package insert supplied with the product should take precedence if local labeling differs. (Egyptian product reference)
Administration technique
- Wash hands before use.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, eyelids, fingers, or other surfaces.
- Instill the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac.
- Close the eye gently after instillation; gentle nasolacrimal occlusion may reduce systemic absorption.
- Replace the cap promptly after use.
13. Method of Preparation
No reconstitution or dilution is required.
PREFRIN Liquifilm is supplied as a ready-to-use sterile ophthalmic solution in a dropper bottle. It should not be mixed with other ophthalmic preparations unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
14. Contraindications
PREFRIN Liquifilm should not be used:
- In patients with hypersensitivity to phenylephrine hydrochloride or any ingredient of the formulation.
- In patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
- While wearing soft contact lenses, according to the product leaflet.
15. Warnings & Precautions
Use with caution and seek professional advice in patients with significant cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or other conditions in which sympathomimetic effects may be clinically important, particularly when repeated or excessive dosing is contemplated. Systemic cardiovascular effects have been reported with topical ophthalmic phenylephrine. (PubMed)
Narrow-angle glaucoma: The product should not be used because mydriatic effects may precipitate an acute increase in intraocular pressure in susceptible eyes.
Ocular-surface disease: The preservative benzalkonium chloride can be problematic in patients with extensive ocular-surface disease. The Allergan leaflet advises special care, avoidance of prolonged use, and regular eye examinations in such patients. (Allergan product information)
Contact lenses: Soft contact lenses should not be worn during use.
Persistent or worsening symptoms: Treatment should be discontinued and medical evaluation sought when irritation persists, worsens, or is accompanied by signs suggesting infection or another significant ocular disorder.
Pupillary dilation: Temporary enlargement of the pupil may occur in some individuals.
16. Drug Interactions
The accessible PREFRIN Liquifilm leaflet advises patients taking regular medicines to consult a healthcare professional because undesirable interactions may occur. (Allergan product information)
Because phenylephrine is an adrenergic sympathomimetic, concomitant medicines that can enhance adrenergic or cardiovascular effects may be clinically relevant. Particular caution is appropriate with medicines such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, although the extent of interaction depends on the dose, formulation, and degree of systemic absorption.
The interaction data available for stronger ophthalmic phenylephrine preparations should not automatically be treated as product-specific evidence for PREFRIN Liquifilm 0.12%. Patients should inform their physician or pharmacist about prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and complementary products before regular use. (Medicines.org.uk)
17. Side Effects
Possible ocular effects include:
- Pupillary dilation
- Temporary ocular discomfort or irritation
- Redness or other local sensitivity reactions
Systemic effects are uncommon at appropriate topical doses but may occur, especially after excessive administration or increased systemic absorption. Reported systemic effects associated with ophthalmic phenylephrine include palpitations, changes in heart rhythm, headache, pallor, tremor, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
Any severe eye pain, marked visual disturbance, pronounced cardiovascular symptoms, or significant worsening of the eye condition warrants prompt medical evaluation.
18. Use in Special Populations
Pregnancy: The accessible Allergan product information advises pregnant patients to consult a physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional before using the medicine. (Allergan product information)
Breast-feeding: The same advice applies during breast-feeding. Product-specific clinical safety data were not identified in the accessible leaflet.
Children: A specific age-based dosing recommendation for PREFRIN Liquifilm was not identified in the accessible product leaflet. Pediatric use should therefore follow the current local labeling and professional advice rather than dosing information from stronger phenylephrine ophthalmic products.
Elderly patients: Use should be guided by the current product labeling and clinical circumstances, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or other conditions that could increase sensitivity to sympathomimetic effects.
19. Storage Conditions
Store PREFRIN Liquifilm at or below 25°C according to the accessible Allergan patient information leaflet. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and keep it out of the reach and sight of children. (Allergan product information)
The same leaflet states that the product should not be used for more than 30 days after first opening. (Allergan product information)
20. Additional Sections
Contact lenses
The product should not be used while soft contact lenses are being worn.
Overdose
Excessive ophthalmic administration may rarely result in systemic sympathomimetic effects, including palpitations, abnormal heartbeats, headache, pallor, tremor, sweating, and elevated blood pressure. Medical advice should be obtained after significant overuse.
Missed dose
Do not compensate for a missed dose by administering a double dose.
When medical assessment is important
Redness or irritation that persists, becomes worse, or is associated with significant pain, discharge, photophobia, or visual change should not simply be treated repeatedly with a vasoconstrictor eye drop.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is PREFRIN Liquifilm used for?
It is used for temporary relief of minor eye irritation and associated redness, with additional lubricating action from polyvinyl alcohol.
Is PREFRIN an antibiotic?
No. It has no antimicrobial spectrum and should not be used as treatment for an eye infection.
Can PREFRIN be used with contact lenses?
It should not be used while soft contact lenses are being worn.
Can it make the pupil larger?
Yes. Pupillary dilation may occur in some individuals.
Can it be used for a long time?
Repeated or prolonged self-treatment is not advisable. The product information specifically recommends caution in patients with extensive ocular-surface disease and advises against prolonged use in that setting. Persistent symptoms should be medically assessed.
What should be done if too many drops are used?
Do not continue excessive dosing. Significant overuse can rarely produce systemic effects such as palpitations, headache, tremor, sweating, and hypertension; medical advice should be sought when substantial overdosage occurs.
22. References
- Allergan Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. PREFRIN Liquifilm Sterile Eye Drops – Patient Information Leaflet. Phenylephrine hydrochloride 1.2 mg/mL. The leaflet provides composition, indications, contraindications, precautions, dosing, overdose information, storage, and presentation. (Allergan)
- DailyMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine. FRESH CLEAR – phenylephrine hydrochloride solution/drops. The labeling confirms the 1.2 mg/mL phenylephrine ophthalmic formulation, polyvinyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, 15 mL packaging, and ophthalmic route. (DailyMed)
- Health Canada – Drug Product Database. PREFRIN LIQ 0.12%. Historical regulatory record identifying phenylephrine hydrochloride 0.12% as the active ingredient and Allergan Inc. as the company associated with the product. (Health Canada)
- Vademecum Egypt. PREFRIN LIQUIFILM eye drops, solution. Egyptian market reference identifying EIPICO as the laboratory/manufacturer and classifying the product under S01GA55. (Vademecum)
- Egyptian product-market reference. Egyptian listing identifying PREFRIN Liquifilm as a 15 mL EIPICO product containing phenylephrine and polyvinyl alcohol. (Egypt Dwa)
- Meyer SM, Fraunfelder FT. Phenylephrine hydrochloride. Ophthalmology. 1980;87(11):1177–1180. The publication describes the pharmacology of ophthalmic phenylephrine and potential systemic cardiovascular effects. (PubMed)
- Medicines.org.uk (emc). Minims Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Eye Drops – Summary of Product Characteristics. Used for general phenylephrine-specific information concerning cardiovascular precautions, MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants, glaucoma, and systemic absorption after ocular administration. (Medicines.org.uk)