Products
Naphazoline is commercially available in the form of eye drops (Oculosan, Collyre bleu) in combination with other active ingredients. Decongestant nasal sprays containing naphazoline are currently no longer available in many countries. Nasal spray comp Spirig is out of trade.
Structure and properties
Naphazoline is often present in drugs as naphazoline nitrate (C14H15N3O3, Mr = 273.3 g/mol), a white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Naphazoline (ATC R01AA08, ATC S01GA01) has sympathomimetic and vasoconstrictor properties. Thus, it symptomatically reduces redness of the eye and is effective against swollen nasal mucosa, as well as excessive nasal secretions.
Indications
Naphazoline is used in the form of eye drops for the symptomatic treatment of conjunctivitis and in the form of decongestant nasal agents for the treatment of rhinitis and a swollen nasal mucosa of various causes.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Concurrent or prior use of MAO inhibitors.
- Dry eyes
- Dry nose
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diseases of the thyroid gland
- Pheochromocytoma
- Diabetes mellitus
- Rhinitis medicamentosa
The drugs are not intended for long-term use and should be discontinued after a few days (eye drops: 2-3 days, nasal sprays: 5-7 days). The full precautions can be found in the drug information leaflet.
Interactions
Hypertensive crisis may theoretically occur with concomitant use of sympathomimetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAO inhibitors. Other eye drops should be used at a time interval.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local reactions to the eye such as irritation, redness, blurred vision, or reactive hyperemia. When used nasally, burning sensation and dehydration are possible, among others. Prolonged use of the nasal sprays may cause rhinitis medicamentosa, which is a swelling of the mucosa triggered by the spray. Systemic side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, agitation, and cardiovascular disturbances rarely occur.
