naphazoline/ pheniramine - ophthalmic, Naphcon-A, Opcon-A
GENERIC NAME: NAPHAZOLINE/ PHENIRAMINE - OPHTHALMIC (nah-FAZZ-oh-leen/fen-IRR-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Naphcon-A, Opcon-A
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to temporarily relieve eye redness, puffiness, itching, and watering that commonly occur with allergies. Naphazoline is a decongestant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. It works by temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the eye. Pheniramine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking certain natural substances (histamines) that cause allergic symptoms.Do not use this medication to treat redness and irritation from wearing contact lenses.
HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.Remove contact lenses before applying the eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before inserting contact lenses. If your eyes are red, ask your doctor whether you should wear your contact lenses.Before using, check this product visually. Do not use if the liquid has changed color or is cloudy. Discard the medication away from children and pets.Use this medication in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day as needed or as directed by your doctor. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop and for the other eye if so directed.Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap tightly after each use.If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Overuse of this type of medication may result in increased eye redness (rebound effect when drug wears off). If this occurs, tell your doctor. Do not use this medication for longer than 3 to 4 days at a time. If your condition persists or worsens after 72 hours, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stinging/redness in the eye, widened pupils, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: shakiness (tremor), fast/pounding/ irregular heartbeat, headache, sweating, weakness, nervousness.Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: eye pain, worsening redness/itching/swelling in or around the eyes, vision problems.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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