DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Naphazoline Ophthalmic Solution (naf-AZ-oh-leen)
Brand Name: Examples include Naphcon and VasoClear

Naphazoline Solution is used for:

Temporarily relief of redness due to minor eye irritation. It also protects against further irritation or dryness of the eyes due to smoke, sun glare, swimming, smog, or contact lenses.

Naphazoline Solution is a decongestant eye drop. It works by increasing fluid drainage from the eye, dilating the pupil, and narrowing the blood vessels of the eye.

Do NOT use Naphazoline Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Naphazoline Solution
• you have narrow-angle glaucoma
• you are taking furazolidone or have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Naphazoline Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Naphazoline Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Naphazoline Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Furazolidone, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because side effects, such as headache, increased body temperature, and high blood pressure, may be increased
• Bromocriptine or cocaine because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Naphazoline Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Naphazoline Solution:

Use Naphazoline Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Naphazoline Solution.
• To use Naphazoline Solution, first wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from your eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye.
• If you miss a dose of Naphazoline Solution, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Naphazoline Solution.

Important safety information:

• Naphazoline Solution is for use in the eye only. Avoid contact with the nose and mouth.
• Do not use Naphazoline Solution if it changes color or becomes cloudy.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Naphazoline Solution for longer than 3 days without checking with your doctor.
• This medicine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Naphazoline Solution during pregnancy. It is unknown if Naphazoline Solution is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Naphazoline Solution, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Naphazoline Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dilated pupils; worsening of irritation or redness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in vision; eye pain; headache.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Naphazoline Solution may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Naphazoline Solution:

Store Naphazoline Solution at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Naphazoline Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Naphazoline Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Naphazoline Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.