Indications
- Naphazoline is a decongestant used for relieving redness, puffiness, and itchy/watering eyes caused by colds, allergies, or eye irritations (e.g., smog, swimming, wearing contact lenses).
- It functions as a sympathomimetic (alpha receptor agonist) in the eye to decrease congestion.
Dosage and administration
- Follow all directions on the product package or as directed by your doctor; consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
- Wash your hands before applying eye drops to avoid contamination; do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any surface.
- Remove contact lenses before applying the drops and wait at least 10 minutes after use before reinserting them.
- Check the product visually before use; do not use if the liquid has changed color or is cloudy.
- Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch.
- Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 drop into the pouch.
- Look downward, gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes, and apply gentle pressure at the corner of the eye near the nose to prevent drainage.
- Avoid blinking and rubbing the eye; repeat for additional drops or the other eye if directed.
- Do not rinse the dropper; tightly replace the dropper cap after each use.
- If using other eye medication, wait at least 5 minutes before applying additional medications, and use eye drops before ointments.
- Overuse may lead to increased eye redness (rebound hyperemia); inform your doctor if this occurs or if your condition persists or worsens after 48 hours.
- Seek medical help immediately if you experience eye pain, vision changes, or suspect a serious medical problem.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of this medication include stinging, redness, widened pupils, or blurred vision; inform your doctor or pharmacist if these persist or worsen.
- If directed by your doctor to use this medication, understand that the benefits outweigh the risks for most individuals.
- Report serious side effects promptly to your doctor, such as 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, or irregular heartbeat.
- While very rare, a serious allergic reaction may occur; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- The listed side effects are not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you observe other unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to naphazoline or other substances, as inactive ingredients (e.g., benzalkonium chloride) in the product may cause allergic reactions.
- Disclose your medical history, particularly if you have heart problems (such as high blood pressure), glaucoma, diabetes, eye infection/injury, or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), before using this medication.
- After applying this drug, temporary blurred vision may occur, and it may rarely cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can amplify these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision until safe to do so, and limit alcoholic beverages. Discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if necessary, and discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.