Which of the following is NOT a contraindication for 10% Phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is a potent alpha-1 adrenergic agonist that is commonly used in ocular practice for its ability to cause mydriasis (pupil dilation) and for its vasoconstrictive properties. When considering contraindications for a medication, it is essential to identify conditions that may lead to adverse effects or an exaggerated response to the drug.

In the case of phenylephrine, the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can potentially lead to serious interactions. These classes of drugs can increase the pressor effects of phenylephrine, leading to hypertension. Therefore, individuals taking MAOIs or TCAs have a contraindication for the use of phenylephrine due to the risk of hypertensive crises.

A history of Graves' disease is also a contraindication because patients with this condition already have heightened sympathetic activity due to hyperthyroidism, which can be exacerbated by phenylephrine, potentially causing severe cardiovascular effects.

In contrast, the use of steroids does not directly contraindicate phenylephrine administration. While steroids can cause a variety of side effects including increased intraocular pressure in certain contexts, they do not interact with the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics