Naphcon

Generic Name: naphazoline ophthalmic (na FAZ oh leen)

Brand Names: AK-Con, Albalon, Allerest Eye Drops, Clear Eyes, Degest 2, Estivin II, Nafazair, Naphcon, Naphcon Forte, VasoClear, Vasocon

What is Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic)?

Naphazoline ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also decreases itching and irritation of the eyes.

Naphazoline ophthalmic is used to relieve redness, burning, irritation, and dryness of the eye caused by wind, sun, and other minor irritants.

Naphazoline ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Do not use naphazoline ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to worsen.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic)?

Do not use naphazoline ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you

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  have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure;

  
  


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  take any medicines to treat a heart condition;

  
  


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  have asthma;

  
  


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  have diabetes; or

  
  


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  have thyroid problems.

  
  

You may not be able to use naphazoline ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Naphazoline ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether naphazoline ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether naphazoline passes into breast milk. Do not use naphazoline ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic)?

Use naphazoline eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

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  Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed..

  
  

Do not use naphazoline ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to worsen. Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store naphazoline ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be harmful. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Do not use naphazoline ophthalmic more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to worsen.

Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using naphazoline ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

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  an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

  
  


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  an irregular or fast heart rate; or

  
  


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  high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or flushed skin).

  
  

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use naphazoline ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

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  burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;

  
  


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  tearing or blurred vision;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  tremor;

  
  


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  nausea;

  
  


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  sweating;

  
  


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  nervousness;

  
  


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  dizziness; or

  
  


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  drowsiness.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Naphcon (naphazoline ophthalmic)?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with naphazoline ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Although drug interactions between naphazoline ophthalmic and drugs taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

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  a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil); or

  
  


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  a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), or labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate).

  
  

You may not be able to use naphazoline ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with naphazoline ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

More Naphcon resources

• Naphcon Side Effects (in more detail)
• Naphcon Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Naphcon Drug Interactions
• Naphcon Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Naphcon - Add your own review/rating

• Naphcon Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Naphcon Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Naphcon Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Albalon Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Clear Eyes Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Naphcon Forte Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Vasocon Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Naphcon with other medications

• Eye Dryness/Redness
• Eye Redness/Itching

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about naphazoline ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Naphcon side effects (in more detail)