naphazoline ophthalmic (Naphcon, All Clear, All Clear AR, Bausch and Lomb Advanced Eye Relief Redness Instant Relief, Bausch and Lomb Advanced Eye Relief Redness Maximum Relief, Clear Eyes ACR Seasonal Relief, Clear Eyes for Dry Eyes Plus Redness Relief, Clear Eyes for Redness Relief, AKCon, Albalon, Rohto Cool)

Dosing and uses of Naphcon, Vasocon (naphazoline ophthalmic)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

ophthalmic solution

• OTC: 0.012%
• OTC: 0.02%
• 0.1%

 

Ocular Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant

Temporary relief of ocular redness caused by irritation & relief of burning or irritation caused by dry eyes

0.1% solution: 1-2 gtt to affected eye q3-4hr PRn

0.012% or 0.025% solution: 1-2 gtt to affected eye(s); not to exceed q6hr; therapy not to exceed 72 hours of use

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

ophthalmic solution

• OTC: 0.012%
• 0.03%
• 0.1%

 

Ocular Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant

Safety & efficacy not established

 

Naphcon, Vasocon (naphazoline ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Blurred vision

Mild transient stinging and/or irritation

Mydriasis

Increased or decreased intraocular pressure

Headache

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Narrow angle glaucoma

Anatomic narrow angle

Hypersensitivity

 

Cautions

Use with caution in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, infection, or injury

Rare reports of hypertension, cardiac irregularities, nervousness, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and sweating

Stop use if vision changes, eye pain, condition worsens

Concurrent use with MAO inhibitors may cause hypertensive crisis

Notify health care professional if no improvement after >48hr (72hr if used OTC) or condition worsens

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Not known if excreted in milk; use caution

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Naphcon, Vasocon (naphazoline ophthalmic)

 

Mechanism of action

May produce vasoconstriction by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva and nasal mucosa

May produce mydriasis when applied to the conjunctiva, but this effect is usually minimal with the concentrations used as ocular decongestants

 

Pharmcokinetics

Absorption: Minimal (systemic)

Onset: Within 10 min

Duration: 2-6 hr