Tetrahydrozoline
Visine is a brand of over-the-counter eye drops designed to relieve redness in the eyes caused by minor irritations such as allergies, fatigue, or environmental factors like smoke or swimming. The medication is commonly used by adults and children seeking quick relief from bloodshot eyes. It provides temporary relief by constricting blood vessels in the eye.
Visine is an over-the-counter redness relief eye drop that temporarily reduces eye redness caused by minor irritations.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 227581
- Generic
- Visine
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Visine is used to temporarily relieve redness of the eyes due to minor eye irritations, including allergies, fatigue, dryness, swimming, smoke exposure, or wearing contact lenses. It may also be used for general cosmetic purposes to reduce the appearance of bloodshot eyes.
Visine contains tetrahydrozoline or similar vasoconstrictor ingredients that work by narrowing the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye), which reduces blood flow and temporarily decreases eye redness.
Visine is for temporary relief only and should not be used for extended periods (typically no more than 3-4 days) without medical advice, as prolonged use may cause rebound redness. Users should remove contact lenses before applying and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. People with glaucoma, eye infections, or who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy