Naphazoline

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

What is Naphazoline?[edit | edit source]

  • Naphazoline (Privine and Sudafed) is, an ocular vasoconstrictor, an imidazoline derivative sympathomimetic amine used as a decongestant, and a vasoconstrictor added to eye drops to relieve red eye.
Naphazoline
Naphazoline Structural Formulae
Naphazoline



What are the uses of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Naphazoline (Privine and Sudafed) used temporary relief of nasal congestion:

  • due to a cold
  • due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies
  • shrinks swollen membranes so you can breathe more freely

As Eye drops (brand names Clear Eyes, and Cleari) used for temporary relief of redness and discomfort due to:

  • minor eye irritations
  • exposure to wind or sun
  • dryness of the eye
  • prevents further irritation


How does this medicine work?[edit | edit source]

  • Naphazoline constricts the vascular system of the conjunctiva.
  • It is presumed that this effect is due to direct stimulation of the drug upon the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva, resulting in decreased conjunctival congestion.
  • Naphazoline belongs to the imidazoline class of sympathomimetics.


Who Should Not Use this medicine ?[edit | edit source]

This medicine cannot be used in patients who:


What drug interactions can this medicine cause?[edit | edit source]

  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Be sure to mention any of the following:


Is this medicine FDA approved?[edit | edit source]

  • It was patented in 1934 and came into medical use in 1942.


How should this medicine be used?[edit | edit source]

Recommended dosage: adults and children 12 years of age and over:

  • 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 6 hours.


What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

  • As nasal spray Naphazoline HCl, USP 0.05%
  • Naphazoline Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

  • Privine and Sudafed; Clear Eyes, and Cleari


What side effects can this medication cause?[edit | edit source]

  • The most common side effects of this medicine include:

In Nasal administration:

In Ophthalmic use:


What special precautions should I follow?[edit | edit source]

  • Do not exceed recommended dosage
  • Temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge may occur
  • Do not use for more than 3 days. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to come back or get worse.
  • Use only as directed.
  • Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist.
  • The use of this container by more than one person may spread infection.
Tell your a doctor before use if you have:
  • Patients under therapy with MAO inhibitors may experience a severe hypertensive crisis if given a sympathomimetic drug. Use in children, especially infants, may result in CNS depression leading to coma and marked reduction in body temperature.


What to do in case of emergency/overdose?[edit | edit source]

  • In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.


Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?[edit | edit source]

  • Pregnancy Category C.
  • It is also not known whether naphazoline can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Naphazoline should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.


Can this medicine be used in children?[edit | edit source]

  • Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.


What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Active ingredients:

  • naphazoline hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients:

  • edetate disodium
  • water
  • sodium chloride
  • SODIUM CARBONATE
  • BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
  • HYDROCHLORIC ACID
  • BORIC ACID


Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Naphazoline Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution: Manufactured by:

Naphazoline hydrochloride spray: Distributed by:


What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?[edit | edit source]

  • store at room temperature 20°–25°C (68°–77°F).


Naphazoline Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

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