What is/are Naphazoline?
Naphazoline (in the hydrochloride form) is the common name for 2-(1-naphthylmethyl)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. It is a sympathomimetic agent with marked alpha adrenergic activity. It is a vasoconstrictor with a rapid action in reducing swelling when applied to mucous membrane. It acts on alpha-receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva to produce constriction, resulting in decreased congestion. It is an active ingredient in several over-the-counter formulations including Clear Eyes and Naphcon eye drops. It has the molecular formula C14H14N2.HCl and a molecular weight of 246.73 g/mol.
Medical uses
- Hypersensitivity to naphazoline
- Patients taking MAO inhibitors can experience a severe hypertensive crisis if given a sympathomimetic drug such as naphazoline HCl
- Use in infants and children can result in central nervous system depression, leading to coma and marked reduction in body temperature
- Should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease including cardiac arrhythmia and in patients with diabetes, especially those with a tendency toward diabetic ketoacidosis
- Drug interactions can occur with anaesthetics that sensitize the myocardium to sympathomimetics (e.g. cyclopropane or halothane cautiously)
- Exercise caution when applying prior to use of phenylephrine.
- Extended use may cause rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition of rebound nasal congestion.
A possible association with stroke has been suggested.
Adverse effects
Top using naphazoline ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:
- Ongoing or worsening eye redness;
- Eye pain;
- Changes in your vision;
- Chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
- Severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- Mild burning or stinging of the eye;
- Blurred vision, watery eyes; or
- Mild headache, dizziness, nervousness.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Naphazoline, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.