Uses
Naphazoline is a decongestant used to relieve redness, puffiness, and itchy/watering eyes due to colds, allergies, or eye irritations (smog, swimming, or wearing contact lenses). It is known as a sympathomimetic (alpha receptor agonist) that works in the eye to decrease congestion.
Some brands of naphazoline eye drops also contain other ingredients. Lubricants (such as glycerin, hypromellose, or polyethylene glycol 300) help protect the eyes from more irritation. Zinc sulfate, an astringent, helps reduce redness and irritation.
How To Use
Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
Remove contact lenses before applying the eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before inserting contact lenses.
Before using, check this product visually. Do not use if the liquid has changed color or is cloudy. Use in affected eye(s) as directed.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop and for the other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap tightly after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
Overuse of this type of medication may result in increased eye redness (rebound hyperemia). Tell your doctor if this occurs or if your condition lasts or gets worse after 48 hours. If you develop eye pain/vision changes or think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Side Effects
Stinging, redness, widened pupils, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- eye pain
- other vision problems
- worsening redness/itching/swelling in or around the eyes
- dizziness
- nausea
- sweating
- drowsiness
- weakness
- nervousness
- headache
- decrease in body temperature
- irregular heartbeat
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using naphazoline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart problems (such as high blood pressure)
- glaucoma
- diabetes
- eye infection/injury
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. This drug may also rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: drowsiness, decreased body temperature.
Notes
If your symptoms are due to allergies, avoid allergens that may be the cause of your symptoms. Some common causes of allergies include pollen, grasses, weeds, dust mites, and pet dander.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If this medication has been prescribed for you, use it for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless directed to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Missed Dose
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light. Discard if drops become discolored or cloudy. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
