Naphazoline
About
Naphazoline belongs to the class of medication called ‘ophthalmic agents’ primarily Indicated for treating ocular congestion, discomfort, and inflammation of a non-infectious origin. Ocular congestion is a symptom caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Naphazoline contains Naphazoline, a vasoconstrictor that reduces congestion at the administration site by activating alpha-adrenergic receptors in arterioles (blood vessels). Thus, it reduces the symptoms of ocular congestion, discomfort, and inflammation (redness and swelling in the eye).
Use Naphazoline as recommended by a health care professional. Naphazoline is only for use in the eyes. In some cases, you may experience eye pain, irritation, blurred vision, and Mydriasis (dilation of the pupil of the eye). Most of these side effects of Naphazoline do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Naphazoline should be avoided if you are allergic to any components in Naphazoline. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use the Naphazoline without consulting a doctor. Naphazoline may temporarily blur your vision; therefore, wait until your vision is back to normal before using any machinery or driving. You are advised to remove contact lenses before using the Naphazoline. You are recommended to maintain a time gap of a minimum of 15 minutes between using Naphazoline and other eye medicines. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, ocular infection or ocular trauma, hypertension or cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus, inform your doctor before taking Naphazoline.
Uses of Naphazoline
Medicinal Benefits
Naphazoline belongs to the class of medications known as ophthalmic agents. Naphazoline contains Naphazoline, a vasoconstrictor that reduces congestion at the administration site by activating alpha-adrenergic receptors in arterioles (blood vessels). Thus, it reduces the symptoms of ocular congestion, discomfort, and inflammation (redness and swelling in the eye).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Naphazoline
- Eye pain
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Mydriasis (dilation of the pupil of the eye)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Naphazoline if you are allergic to any components present in it. Seek medical advice if you have vision issues, severe eye pain, glaucoma (high blood pressure in the eye), eye damage, or eye surgery before using the Naphazoline. Do not Naphazoline without consulting the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Naphazoline should be used for children only if advised by the doctor. Drive only if your vision is clear, as Naphazoline may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after use. You are advised to remove contact lenses before using the Naphazoline. If your condition does not improve after using Naphazoline for 2 to 3 days, or if irritation persists or increases, consult a physician. You are recommended to maintain a time gap of a minimum of 15 minutes between using Naphazoline and other eye medicines.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Naphazoline may interact with medications used to manage and treat depression (e.g. escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol with Naphazoline.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Naphazoline may interact with various disease conditions, including narrow-angle glaucoma, ocular infection or ocular trauma, hypertension or cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and diabetes mellitus.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol with Naphazoline is not recommended.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Naphazoline in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, please consult your doctor; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the medicine, considering the importance of the treatment to the mother.
Driving
cautionNaphazoline may cause temporary blurred vision immediately after use. Therefore, avoid driving until your vision is clear after taking Naphazoline.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about using Naphazoline in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Naphazoline if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCaution is to be advised in patients with severely impaired kidney function. So, inform your doctor if you are suffering from kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Naphazoline.
Children
safe if prescribedIt can be used safely in children as directed by the physician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Always wash your hands before applying contact lenses.
- To prevent digital strain, look away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
- Reduce screen time. Avoid staring at digital screens for a long time.
- Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands as it might cause infection.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc.
- Use only scent-free detergents and soaps.
- Install an air purifier at home.
- Regularly vacuum and dust.
- Limit the carpets, curtains, soft toys and soft furnishings at home.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- Regular eye check-ups are advised before and during the treatment if you have eye problems.
- Protect your eyes from bright light, especially when pupils are dilated.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ocular congestion: Ocular congestion is a symptom caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin and transparent membrane covering the eye's white area and the eyelids' inner part. Discharge of eye fluids, redness, itchiness or a gritty feeling in one or both eyes, tearing and sensitivity to light are the most common symptoms of Ocular congestion.
FAQs
Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor that reduces congestion at the administration site by activating alpha-adrenergic receptors in arterioles (blood vessels). Thus, it reduces the symptoms of ocular congestion, discomfort, and inflammation (redness and swelling in the eye).
Depending on the dose of the eye drops and the individual patient, the effects can last up to six hours. People with lighter eyes experience the effects of the drops for a longer period of time than those with darker eyes.
You are recommended to maintain a minimum 5-minute time gap between using Naphazoline and other eye drops. However, please consult a doctor before using other medicines with Naphazoline.
Naphazoline might cause blurred vision, which might last for several hours.
You are not recommended to wear contact lenses while using Naphazoline as it contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that changes the colour of the contact lens as a soft contact lens may absorb it. Therefore, you are advised to remove contact lenses before applying Naphazoline and reinsert after 15 minutes of using Naphazoline.
Caution is advised in patients with Closed-angle glaucoma. So please do not use it on your own unless prescribed by the doctor.
