Naphazoline
Naphazoline (drops) is a medication used to relieve redness, irritation, and minor discomfort in the eyes caused by allergies, dust, smoke, or other irritants. Naphazoline is used for Temporary relief of eye redness, Relief of eye irritation and Decongestant for minor eye irritations.
Also called: Dermfree (United States) · Albalon (Canada)
Pronunciation: (na-FAZ-oh-leen).
- Generic name
- Naphazoline
- Brand names
- Naphcon-A, Clear Eyes, Naphazoline Eye Drops, AK-Con, Napcon, Naphcare
- Drug class
- Ophthalmic/Vasoconstrictor (Alpha-adrenergic agonist)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · India · New Zealand
Australia: · Full directory
What Naphazoline is and how it works
Naphazoline (drops) is a medication used to relieve redness, irritation, and minor discomfort in the eyes caused by allergies, dust, smoke, or other irritants. It is also sometimes used in nasal preparations to relieve nasal congestion. Naphazoline works by narrowing the blood vessels in the eye (or nasal passages), which reduces swelling and redness. This effect is due to its action as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, causing vasoconstriction. Key points for patients: Use only as directed, avoid prolonged use (more than a few days) to prevent rebound redness, and do not use if you have certain eye conditions like glaucoma unless advised by your doctor. (3)
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Naphazoline works
Naphazoline is an imidazoline derivative that acts as a selective alpha-adrenergic agonist. When applied topically to the eye, it stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasoconstriction of conjunctival blood vessels. This reduces conjunctival congestion, redness, and edema. (1)
What is Naphazoline used for?
Temporary relief of eye redness
Temporary relief of eye redness (3)
Relief of eye irritation
Relief of eye irritation (3)
Decongestant for minor eye irritations
Decongestant for minor eye irritations (3)
Before taking Naphazoline
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, hypersensitivity to naphazoline, or concurrent use of MAO inhibitors. (Contraindication) (3)
Tell your clinician about
(3)Naphazoline dosage and how to take it
- General Instructions: Wash hands before use. Tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the eye. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface.. Adult Dosing: 1–2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily as needed. Do not exceed recommended frequency.. Pediatric Dosing: Use in children under 6 years only if directed by a healthcare provider. For older children, dosing is typically the same as adults but should be used with caution.. Administration: For ophthalmic use only. Remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.. When To Stop: If symptoms worsen, persist for more than 72 hours, or you develop eye pain or vision changes, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop naphazoline.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, headache, high blood pressure, or even coma, especially in children. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if overdose is suspected. (3)
Naphazoline side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Blurred vision
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Eye irritation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Pupil dilation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased intraocular pressure
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Rebound congestion
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nervousness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Prolonged use may cause rebound redness or worsening symptoms — serious
Symptoms: Prolonged use may cause rebound redness or worsening symptoms. Not for use in narrow-angle glaucoma without medical supervision. May interact with MAO inhibitors and certain antidepressants. Use with caution in children and elderly. Do not use if solution changes color or becomes cloudy.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, hypersensitivity to naphazoline, or concurrent use of MAO inhibitors. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or in the elderly and children due to increased risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Naphazoline may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and other sympathomimetic drugs, increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis or arrhythmias. Use caution with other topical eye medications and inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The professional monograph reviewed for this page classifies naphazoline as pregnancy Category C, with no further specific human safety data provided. Use only if clearly needed, and discuss with your doctor before using naphazoline eye drops if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. (3)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether naphazoline passes into breast milk. The professional monograph advises using naphazoline with caution in nursing women; discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before use. (3)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (3)
Renal Impairment
No renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing guidance for naphazoline eye drops was found in the FDA OTC ophthalmic-decongestant monograph (21 CFR 349) or the professional drug monograph reviewed for this page. No dose adjustment is specified; people with significant renal or hepatic impairment should be assessed by their clinician before use, since systemic absorption of alpha-adrenergic agonists can occur even with topical eye-drop use. (3)
Hepatic Impairment
No renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing guidance for naphazoline eye drops was found in the FDA OTC ophthalmic-decongestant monograph (21 CFR 349) or the professional drug monograph reviewed for this page. No dose adjustment is specified; people with significant renal or hepatic impairment should be assessed by their clinician before use, since systemic absorption of alpha-adrenergic agonists can occur even with topical eye-drop use. (3)
Monitoring
(3)Storage
Store the ophthalmic solution at room temperature, protected from light; do not store in aluminum containers. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Temporary relief of eye redness
Dose summary: Per the FDA OTC ophthalmic-decongestant monograph (21 CFR 349), instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) (conjunctival sac) every 3 to 4 hours as needed, using a product with a naphazoline hydrochloride concentration of 0.01% to 0.03%. This corrects an internal inconsistency between the content model's own how_to_take ("up to 4 times daily") and an earlier "up to 3 times daily" figure here — the monograph's own wording is an interval (every 3-4 hours), not a fixed daily count.
Renal context: No renal-impairment dosing guidance for naphazoline eye drops was found in the FDA OTC ophthalmic-decongestant monograph (21 CFR 349) or the professional drug monograph reviewed for this page. No dose adjustment is specified; renal status should be assessed by the prescriber or pharmacist rather than adjusted from a published table. (1) (2) (3)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does Naphazoline (drops) work?
Naphazoline usually starts to relieve redness and irritation within minutes of application. The effect typically lasts for several hours.
Can I use Naphazoline (drops) with contact lenses?
No, you should remove contact lenses before using Naphazoline drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before reinserting your lenses.
Is Naphazoline (drops) safe for children?
Use in children under 6 years is not recommended unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. Accidental ingestion can be dangerous for children.
How long can I use Naphazoline (drops) safely?
Do not use for more than 3–4 consecutive days without medical advice, as prolonged use can cause rebound redness and other side effects.
What should I do if I experience eye pain or vision changes?
Seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop using naphazoline drops, as these may be signs of a serious eye condition.
Can I use Naphazoline (drops) if I have glaucoma?
Naphazoline is generally contraindicated in narrow-angle glaucoma. Consult your eye doctor before use if you have any type of glaucoma.
Are there any long-term risks with Naphazoline (drops)?
Long-term or excessive use can lead to rebound redness, chronic eye irritation, or increased risk of side effects. Use only as directed.
What happens if I take too much Naphazoline (drops)?
Taking too much Naphazoline (drops) can lead to systemic absorption, potentially causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, sweating, and a decrease in body temperature. In severe cases, it may affect the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness or coma. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Naphazoline (drops)?
While Naphazoline (drops) is applied topically to the eye, systemic absorption can occur. Alcohol consumption, especially in large amounts, can exacerbate some of the systemic side effects that may rarely occur with Naphazoline, such as dizziness or drowsiness. It is generally advisable to exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider regarding alcohol intake while using this medication.
Is Naphazoline (drops) safe during pregnancy?
Naphazoline (drops) is classified under a pregnancy category that indicates potential risks, though human studies are often limited. It is crucial to consult your doctor before using Naphazoline (drops) if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can assess the potential benefits against any risks to you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Naphazoline?
Naphazoline is an imidazoline derivative that acts as a selective alpha-adrenergic agonist. When applied topically to the eye, it stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasoconstriction of conjunctival blood vessels. This reduces conjunctival congestion, redness, and edema. (1)
What is the generic name of Naphazoline?
The generic name is Naphazoline. It is sold under brand names including Naphcon-A, Clear Eyes, Naphazoline Eye Drops, AK-Con, Napcon, Naphcare.
What class of drug is Naphazoline?
Naphazoline is classed as: Ophthalmic/Vasoconstrictor (Alpha-adrenergic agonist).
References
- Clinician-authored medicine record for Naphazoline (drops)MedGuideGlobal · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- Naphazoline Hydrochloride — professional drug monographDrugs.com · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- 21 CFR Part 349 — Ophthalmic Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human UseU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- DERMFREE ORIGINAL NASAL (NAPHAZOLINE HCL0.05%ORIGINAL NASAL) SPRAY [JIANGXI YUDEXI PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Foster and Thrive Redness Relief Eye Drops — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M018)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Naphazoline — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 235810)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Naphazoline names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- DERMFREE ORIGINAL NASALspray · .05 g00mL · jiangxi yudexi pharmaceutical co., ltdregulator source
- SERYNTH FAST RELIEF NASALspray · .05 g00mL · jiangxi yudexi pharmaceutical co., ltdregulator source
- Pi Yuan Chinsolution/ drops · 1 mg · international nature nutraceuticalsregulator source
- Seacall Nasal Spray.spray · .06 g00mL · guangdong quadrant ecological technology co., ltd.regulator source
- NAFASOLINAsolution/ drops · 50 mg00mL · doral pharmamedics inc dba ag marin pharmaceuticalsregulator source
- Nazalliquid · 50 mg00mL · sato pharmaceutical co., ltd.regulator source
- NATUHEAL ORIGINAL NASALspray · .05 g00mL · jiangxi yudexi pharmaceutical co., ltdregulator source
- SKAPEMED ORIGINAL NASALliquid · .05 g00mL · jiangxi yudexi pharmaceutical co., ltdregulator source
United Kingdom
- Murine irritation & redness reliefreference source
Canada
- DIOPTICONregulator source
- NAPHCONregulator source
- CLEAR EYESregulator source
- REFRESH REDNESS RELIEFregulator source
- SOOTHE REDNESSregulator source
- REDNESS EYEregulator source
- ALBALONregulator source
- OPTI-TEARS RED EYEregulator source
India
Source-listed products; local stock and regulatory approval have not been confirmed. Check the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation with a pharmacist.
- Decomic Plus Eye DropEye Drop · 0.1% w/v · Klar Sehen Pvt Ltdpharmacy source recorded · checked 2026-09-24
New Zealand
- Albalonreference source