Naphcon
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Naphazoline
Brand names: Ak-Con, Albalon, Allerest, Allergy Drops, Comfort Eye Drops, Degest, Estivin, I-Naphline, Muro's Opcon, Nafazair, Naphcon, Naphcon Forte, Ocu-Zoline Sterile, Ophthalmic Solution, VasoClear, Vasocon Regular
Related Medical Conditions: Eye Irritation
Related Groups: Decongestant, Ophthalmic
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What is Naphcon?
Naphazoline (naf-AZ-oh-leen) is used to relieve redness due to minor eye irritations, such as those caused by colds, dust, wind, smog, pollen, swimming, or wearing contact lenses.
Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical problem.
Naphcon Usage and Dosage
Do not use naphazoline ophthalmic solution if it becomes cloudy or changes color.
Naphazoline should not be used in infants and children . It may cause severe slowing down of the central nervous system (CNS), which may lead to unconsciousness. It may also cause a severe decrease in body temperature.
Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for more than 72 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may make your eye redness and irritation worse and may also increase the chance of side effects.
To use:
- First, wash your hands. With the middle finger, apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye (and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after the medicine has been placed in the eye). Tilt the head back and with the index finger of the same hand, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
The dose of ophthalmic naphazoline will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic naphazoline. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For ophthalmic solution (eye drop) dosage form:
- For eye redness:
- Adults—Use one drop not more often than every four hours.
- Children—Use is not recommended.
Naphcon Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
When this medicine is used for short periods of time at recommended doses, side effects usually are rare. However, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following occur:
- With overuse or long-term use
- Increase in eye irritation
- Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
- Dizziness; headache; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; weakness
- Symptoms of overdose
- Decrease in body temperature; drowsiness ; slow heartbeat; weakness (severe)
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your health care professional if either of the following side effects continues or is bothersome:
- Less common or rare
- Blurred vision; large pupils
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.
Naphcon Storage
To store this medicine: Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
