Naphazoline









Naphazoline

(naf AZ oh leen)

Pharmacologic Category
Alpha; Ophthalmic Agent, Vasoconstrictor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to naphazoline or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have glaucoma.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
How does it work?
  • Naphazoline blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • It reduces eye irritation.
How is it best taken?
  • Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
  • Nasal:
  • For the nose only.
  • Blow your nose before use.
  • Nasal drops:
  • Sit in chair or lie down.
  • If in chair, hold head back. If lying in bed, place a pillow under your shoulders and drop head back.
  • Insert nasal dropper into nose ?1/4” and drop in.
  • Stay in same position for 2 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your nose.
  • Nasal spray:
  • Close one nostril.
  • Tilt head forward slightly.
  • Insert nasal spray tube into other nostril.
  • While breathing in, press down once to release spray.
  • Breath out through your mouth.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 3 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Nasal irritation.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Severe nasal irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: