Indications
Naphazoline Hydrochloride eye drops are used for short term relief of red, irritated eyes caused by minor irritants such as dust, smoke, wind, swimming or eye strain, and for eye redness linked to allergies. Some products combine it with an antihistamine such as Pheniramine. Nasal forms are used for short term relief of a blocked nose.
How It Works
Naphazoline is a decongestant. It narrows the small, swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye or inside the nose. This reduces redness in the eye and swelling and congestion in the nose.
Dosage and Administration
Eye drops: adults usually put 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye up to 4 times a day, or as directed on the label. Do not use for more than 3 days without medical advice.
- Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid and place the drop without touching the tip to the eye.
- Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back.
- Nasal drops or spray: use as directed on the label, for no more than 3 to 5 days.
Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Selegiline, or use within 14 days of stopping them, can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
- Tricyclic antidepressants and other medicines that raise blood pressure may increase side effects.
- Use with care alongside blood pressure medicines.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Naphazoline.
- Narrow angle glaucoma.
- Infants and young children, in whom it can cause serious drowsiness and breathing problems.
Side Effects
Brief stinging, blurred vision, dilated pupils and eye irritation may occur. Overuse can cause rebound redness, where eyes become redder when the drops wear off. Rarely, enough is absorbed to cause headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat or raised blood pressure.
Get urgent medical help if you have eye pain, sudden change in vision, severe headache, chest pain, or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is little safety information. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if a doctor advises it.
Precautions and Warnings
- Stop and see a doctor if redness or irritation lasts more than 3 days, gets worse, or comes with pain, discharge or vision changes.
- Use with care if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or an overactive thyroid.
- Do not share the bottle and do not use if the solution changes colour or becomes cloudy.
Overdose
Swallowing the drops, especially by a child, can cause severe drowsiness, slow breathing, slow heartbeat, low body temperature and even coma. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Ophthalmic and nasal decongestant (sympathomimetic).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light, with the cap tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Discard eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.