Naphazoline

U.S. Brand Names

AK-Con™; Albalon®; Clear eyes® for Dry Eyes and ACR Relief [OTC]; Clear eyes® for Dry Eyes and Redness Relief [OTC]; Clear eyes® Redness Relief [OTC]; Clear eyes® Seasonal Relief [OTC]; Naphcon® [OTC]; Privine® [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Naphcon Forte®; Vasocon®

Mexican Brand Names

Afazol Grin; Alphadinal; Celunaf; Gotinal

Pharmacologic Category

Alpha1 Agonist; Imidazoline Derivative; 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 or emergency department immediately.

• 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).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:25:29.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:54.0

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