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Visine® for Contacts®

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Visine® for Contacts® is a Ophthalmic decongestant Small molecule drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. It is currently FDA-approved for Temporary relief of redness of the eye due to minor irritation in contact lens wearers.

Visine for Contacts is a decongestant eye drop that constricts blood vessels in the eye to reduce redness and irritation.

Visine for Contacts is a small molecule ophthalmic solution used to treat contact lens dry eye. It is a 1% azithromycin solution that has been studied in clinical trials for its effectiveness in managing contact lens-related dry eye.

At a glance

Generic nameVisine® for Contacts®
SponsorMerck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Drug classOphthalmic decongestant
TargetAlpha-1 adrenergic receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOphthalmology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

The active ingredient is tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, an alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction of the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye. This reduces blood flow to the conjunctiva, thereby decreasing redness and providing temporary relief from minor eye irritation. The formulation is specifically designed to be compatible with contact lens wear.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Visine® for Contacts®

What is Visine® for Contacts®?

Visine® for Contacts® is a Ophthalmic decongestant drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, indicated for Temporary relief of redness of the eye due to minor irritation in contact lens wearers.

How does Visine® for Contacts® work?

Visine for Contacts is a decongestant eye drop that constricts blood vessels in the eye to reduce redness and irritation.

What is Visine® for Contacts® used for?

Visine® for Contacts® is indicated for Temporary relief of redness of the eye due to minor irritation in contact lens wearers.

Who makes Visine® for Contacts®?

Visine® for Contacts® is developed and marketed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (see full Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC pipeline at /company/merck).

What drug class is Visine® for Contacts® in?

Visine® for Contacts® belongs to the Ophthalmic decongestant class. See all Ophthalmic decongestant drugs at /class/ophthalmic-decongestant.

What development phase is Visine® for Contacts® in?

Visine® for Contacts® is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Visine® for Contacts®?

Common side effects of Visine® for Contacts® include Transient stinging or burning, Rebound redness with prolonged use, Mydriasis (pupil dilation).

What does Visine® for Contacts® target?

Visine® for Contacts® targets Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor and is a Ophthalmic decongestant.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing