Naphazoline for the treatment of eye allergies

Naphazoline is a sympathomimetic drug used that causes vasoconstriction by activating the alpha-adrenergic receptors. It is used as a temporary treatment for the symptomatic treatment of redness, swelling, itching, and tearing associated with ocular allergies.

Naphazoline Dose in Adults

Dose in the treatment of Ocular redness and allergies:

Instill 1 - 2 drops in the affected eye every 3 - 4 hours.
The frequency may be reduced in less severe cases.

Naphazoline Dose in Childrens

Not recommended for use in children

Pregnancy Risk Factor: C

It has not been studied in pregnancy and breastfeeding and is classified as category C during pregnancy.

Naphazoline Dose in Renal Disease:

The manufacturer has not recommeded any adjustment in the dose in patients with renal disease.

Naphazoline Dose in Liver Disease:

The manufacturer has not recommeded any adjustment in the dose in patients with liver disease.

Severe side effects of naphazoline:

keratitis, ocular hypertension, coma, and bradycardia

Moderate side effects:

Hypertension, Blurred vision, Hyperglycemia, Respiratory depression, Hypotension, and Sinus tachycardia

Mild side effects:

Mydriasis, lacrimation, ocular irritation, hyperhidrosis, drowsiness, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, lethargy, vomiting, and hypothermia.

Contraindication to Naphazoline Include:

Severe allergic reactions to the drug or antazoline, or any component of this formulation.
Glaucoma patients

Warnings and Precautions

Cardiovascular disease
- Patients with hypertension and cariac disease should avoid naphazoline due to the possibility of a worsening in the sympathomimetic effects.
Diabetes:
- Diabetes patients should be cautious when using the drug.
Thyroid disease:
- Hyperthyroid patients should be cautious when taking the drug.

Monitoring Parameters:

Monitor for improvement or worsening of the symptoms.

How to administer Naphazoline?

It is used as an ophthalmic solution.
The patients should be asked to wash hands prior to its use.
The patient should avoid touching the tip of the container to eye or the hands.
The contact lenses should be removed prior to its use.
The patient should wait for some times after the instillation of the drops and should also avoid using contact lenses if the eyes are red ad inflamed.

Mechanism of action of Naphazoline:

It stimulates the alpha receptors of the conjunctiva's arterioles.
Histamine-induced effects are inhibited by anazoline on conjunctival epithelial cell cells. It's a sympathomimetic that relieves eye congestion.