What is Nafazoline and what is it for?

Naphazoline is an ophthalmic and nasal medication that is used to reduce inflammation, redness of the eyes, and obstruction of the nasal passages. This drug belongs to the group of sympathomimetics, that is, it contributes to nasal ventilation and reduces congestion due to the decrease in nasal flow due to vasoconstriction of the vessels that supply the nasal mucosa.

Naphazoline is used to treat nasal congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies, as well as other conditions that cause congestion in the airways.

It comes in ophthalmic solution, nasal solution and spray bottle presentations. Doses can vary but usually one to two drops are used depending on the condition. Care must be taken with exceeding doses as it can cause headaches.

What is naphazoline for?

Naphazoline is used to treat nasal congestion caused by flu, common cold, colds, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory allergies. Nasal obstructions that have an allergic, inflammatory or traumatic origin. Also obstruction by changes in atmospheric pressure.

In addition, naphazoline is indicated to treat red eyes, whether due to allergic irritations, colds, dust, sun rays, chemical agents, chlorinated waters, contact lenses, etc.

What is Naphazoline Nasal for?

Nasal naphazoline serves to decongest the nasal mucosa and clear blocked nostrils. This medicine can be used to treat congestion caused by flu, common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.

What is naphazoline eye drops for?

Naphazoline ophthalmic is used to treat cases of redness and eye irritations as produced by eye allergies, ocular congestion, allergic conjunctivitis, etc.

pediatric naphazoline

Naphazoline can be used in children to treat eye irritation when there are agents that cause redness, such as dust, pollen, pool water, sun rays, etc.

The doses must be stipulated by the doctor before using it in a pediatric way.

Naphazoline for conjunctivitis

Naphazoline is used in cases of allergic conjunctivitis as it helps to treat irritation and redness of the eyes.

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctival membrane of the eye, which lines the inner part of the eyelids and a portion of the eyeball. This causes the blood vessels in the eye to enlarge, causing redness.

Naphazoline ophthalmic solution is used in case of conjunctivitis every 4, 6 or 8 hours depending on the case.

Mechanism of action of Naphazoline

Naphazoline is a sympathomimetic and decongestant drug that directly stimulates adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system, meaning that it causes vasoconstriction of capillaries by reducing blood flow. This gives it a decongestant function at the ophthalmic and nasal level, reducing congestion of the mucosa.

Consequently, air passage and sinus drainage is improved. It also has a conjunctival vasoconstrictor action, which helps reduce redness in the eyes.

Its action begins 5 to 10 minutes after its application and its effects last for about 2 to 6 hours. This medicine can be absorbed systemically.

How to use Nafazoline?

The dose varies according to the case to be treated, and according to whether it is required to use the ophthalmic solution or the nasal solution.

This dose is normally indicated by the doctor, although as it is an over-the-counter medicine, the indications that the same medicine brings can be read and not exceed the required dose to avoid side effects.

The doses listed below are for reference only. It is always important to read the instructions on the packaging, since each presentation or brand has its peculiarities. Similarly, it is advisable to consult a doctor in case of doubts regarding the medicine or its doses.

Nasal naphazoline dosage

The usual dose is two drops or two sprays in each nostril. Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age can repeat this dose 2 to 3 times a day as required. Children between 6 and 12 years one drop 3 to 4 times a day. This treatment can be used between 3 and 5 days.

Naphazoline ophthalmic dosage

The usual dose of naphazoline ophthalmic is d 1 drop in each eye. In adults this dose can be repeated every 6 or 8 hours as required. In children it can be applied from 3 years of age and one drop should be used in each eye every 8 hours.

Nafazolina presentation

Naphazoline can be found in an ophthalmic solution to treat redness and inflammation of the eyes, or as a nasal solution to decongest the sinuses.

It can be found in a dropper bottle, or as a spray bottle, containing 15 ml. For each ml of solution, it contains the following components: Naphazoline Hydrochloride (1 mg), Polyvinyl Alcohol (14 mg), Vehicle, cbp 1 ml.

It can be found under its same generic name, Nafazolin, or under other commercials such as Naphcon, Aleve, Clear Eyes, Centilux, Afazol Grin, Fazolin, Gotinal, Nazil, etc.

Nafazoline eye drops

Naphazoline can be found as an active ingredient or component in eye drop solutions.

Eye drops are a solution or suspension of different chemical substances, which are used for eye treatments. Many eye drops include naphazoline in their components to treat redness.

Nafazoline side effects

Naphazoline has few side effects. It should be tried not to exceed the recommended doses and not to extend its use for many consecutive days to avoid any adverse reaction. Some of the side effects that can be produced by the nasal solution are nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, vertigo, nervousness, excessive sweating, feeling of weakness, drowsiness.

The adverse reactions that could be produced by the ophthalmic solution are blurred vision, burning or stinging sensation, irritation, altered blood pressure, asthenia and diaphoresis.

In the event of any side effect or adverse reaction after using naphazoline, you should immediately notify your doctor.

Contraindications of Nafazoline

Naphazoline should not be used in patients with high blood pressure, thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), glaucoma, heart disease, diabetes, ocular hypertension, angina pectoris.

If allergies or hypersensitivity to naphazoline have occurred, eye drops should be avoided.

Although it is not clear if the use of naphazoline can cause side effects in pregnant women, it has been shown that the drug is absorbed systemically, so it could reach the placenta. That is why the use of naphazoline in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended unless the doctor deems it strictly necessary.

Recommendations for Nafazoline

• Try to apply the naphazoline drops respecting the times when each dose is due. Do not exceed the dose when the congestion or redness returns, the three daily applications must be observed.

• If a dose is missed, apply as soon as possible; if it is close to the hour of the next hour, wait for the next one. No more solution should be used to make up for the loss.

• The medicine should not be used for more than 5 days in a row as it could create the opposite effect and lead to more congestion.

• It is recommended not to share the naphazoline container with other people to avoid spreading infections.

• The applicator should be cleaned with hot water after use.

• It should not be used in children without first consulting with the pediatrician and that he also recommends the appropriate dose.
• If after several days using naphazoline the symptoms do not improve, you should consult your doctor to change the treatment, do not extend the dose.