Indications
Naphazoline Nitrate is a decongestant used mainly as nose drops to relieve a blocked or stuffy nose caused by colds, sinusitis, hay fever and other allergies. Eye drop forms are used to relieve minor redness and irritation of the eyes caused by dust, smoke, allergy or tiredness.
How It Works
Naphazoline stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on small blood vessels in the lining of the nose or eye. This makes the vessels narrow (vasoconstriction), which reduces swelling and congestion in the nose and lessens redness in the eye. The effect starts within minutes and lasts several hours.
Dosage and Administration
Nose drops (adults and children over 12): 1 to 2 drops into each nostril up to 3 to 4 times daily, no more often than every 6 hours, or as directed on the label. Do not use for more than 3 to 5 days in a row. Eye drops: 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye up to 4 times daily, for no more than 3 days, or as directed on the label. Do not use in children under 6 years (nose) or young children (eye) unless a doctor advises. Clean the dropper tip and do not share it.
Interactions
Do not use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping one, as blood pressure may rise sharply. Tricyclic antidepressants and other decongestants can increase its effects. It may reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines. Avoid using two decongestant products together.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Naphazoline, have narrow-angle glaucoma, are taking MAO inhibitors, or (for nose drops) have dry inflammation of the nose (rhinitis sicca) or recent surgery through the nose. Not for infants and young children because of the risk of serious side effects.
Side Effects
Common side effects include stinging, burning, sneezing or dryness in the nose, and brief stinging or blurred vision with eye drops. Using it for too long can cause rebound congestion (the nose becomes more blocked when it is stopped). If absorbed, it may cause headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat, raised blood pressure or trouble sleeping. In young children, it can cause dangerous drowsiness, slow breathing and low body temperature.
Get urgent medical help if a child swallows it or becomes very drowsy, has slow or difficult breathing or feels cold, or if anyone has chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, or eye pain with changes in vision.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid in pregnancy unless your doctor advises, as it may affect blood flow. It is not known if it passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Use for short periods only. Talk to a doctor before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, an enlarged prostate or glaucoma. Remove contact lenses before using eye drops. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 3 days or get worse.
Overdose
Swallowing even a small amount can be dangerous for young children, causing severe drowsiness, slow heartbeat, low temperature and breathing problems. In adults, overdose may cause high blood pressure and fast heartbeat. Seek emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Sympathomimetic decongestant (alpha-adrenergic agonist), nasal and ophthalmic.
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light, with the bottle tightly closed. Discard 4 weeks after opening. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.