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)
Classes: Decongestants, Ophthalmic; Alpha Agonists, Ophthalmic
Dosing and uses of Naphcon, Vasocon (naphazoline ophthalmic)
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