Naphazoline Hydrochloride And Pheniramine Maleate
Pronunciation: (na-FAZ-oh-leen + fen-EER-a-meen).
- Generic name
- Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate
- Brand names
- Naphcon-A, Napthazoline-P, Murine Hayfever Relief, Visine-A, Optrex Allergy Eye Drops, Albalon-A
- Drug class
- Ophthalmic decongestant and antihistamine combination
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate is and how it works
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 hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate works
Naphazoline is an imidazoline derivative that acts as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, causing vasoconstriction of conjunctival blood vessels, thereby reducing ocular redness and congestion. Pheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively inhibits histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms such as itching and watering. (2)
What Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate is used for
Temporary relief of eye redness, itching, and watering caused by allergies (e.g., hay fever, pollen, dust, animal dander)
Recovered from the clinician database description (a data-recovery fix — the automated extractor had left this field empty even though the description text names it). (2)
Before taking Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, hypersensitivity to any component, or severe eye infections. (Contraindication) (2)
- Prolonged use may cause rebound hyperemia or increased intraocular pressure. (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate
- General Instructions: Wash your hands before use. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the affected eye(s). Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface. Do not use if the solution has changed color or become cloudy.. Adult Dosing: 1–2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily as needed. Do not exceed recommended frequency.. Pediatric Dosing: Not recommended for children under 6 years. For children 6–12 years, use only under medical supervision.. Administration: For ophthalmic use only. Remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.. When To Stop: Seek medical advice promptly if symptoms worsen, if you experience eye pain or vision changes, or if redness/irritation persists for more than 72 hours; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and 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. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply an extra dose.
Overdose
Overuse or accidental ingestion may cause serious side effects such as drowsiness, slow heartbeat, or high blood pressure. If swallowed or if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Rebound redness with prolonged or overuse
Incidence: Recovered from the clinician-authored database warnings text (a data-recovery fix); frequency not established
Temporary blurred vision after application
Incidence: Recovered from the clinician-authored database warnings text (a data-recovery fix); frequency not established
Drowsiness, slow heartbeat, or high blood pressure with overuse or systemic absorption
Incidence: Recovered from the clinician-authored database overdose text (a data-recovery fix); frequency not established
Serious warnings
Prolonged use may increase the risk of rebound redness or worsen symptoms — serious
Symptoms: Prolonged use may increase the risk of rebound redness or worsen symptoms. Not for use in children under 6 years without medical advice. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes, and in men with difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate (added — naphazoline is an alpha-adrenergic agonist). May cause temporary blurred vision after application. Seek medical advice promptly if you develop eye pain, vision changes, or persistent redness; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, hypersensitivity to any component, or severe eye infections. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate, or those taking MAOIs. Prolonged use may cause rebound hyperemia or increased intraocular pressure.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Naphazoline + Pheniramine may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or other medications that increase blood pressure. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal products. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Not established from the sources reviewed: this OTC product's FDA label does not provide specific pregnancy guidance beyond directing use under medical advice if pregnant; neither the clinician-authored database content nor the sources reviewed for this record establish more specific guidance. Discuss with the clinician managing the pregnancy before use. (2)
Breastfeeding
Not established from the sources reviewed: this OTC product's FDA label does not provide specific breastfeeding guidance beyond directing use under medical advice if breastfeeding; neither the clinician-authored database content nor the sources reviewed for this record establish more specific guidance. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Not recommended under 6 years; ages 6-12 only under medical supervision. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page gives no renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance for this eye drop; no dose adjustment is specified. Its 'ask a doctor before use' list covers heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, and narrow-angle glaucoma, but does not mention kidney or liver disease specifically. As with any medicine, people with significant kidney or liver disease should ask a doctor or pharmacist before use. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page gives no renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance for this eye drop; no dose adjustment is specified. Its 'ask a doctor before use' list covers heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, and narrow-angle glaucoma, but does not mention kidney or liver disease specifically. As with any medicine, people with significant kidney or liver disease should ask a doctor or pharmacist before use. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use if the solution has changed color or become cloudy.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General (OTC)
Indication: Allergic eye redness, itching, watering
Dose summary: CORRECTED — an earlier draft of this record's top-level dosing field said "up to 3 times daily," which contradicted the record's own administration section and the FDA OTC label. The FDA-confirmed frequency is: 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily as needed.
Renal context: The FDA OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page gives no renal-impairment (or hepatic-impairment) dosing guidance for this product; no dose adjustment is specified. The label's 'ask a doctor before use' conditions are heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, and narrow-angle glaucoma — kidney and liver disease are not separately addressed, so people with significant renal or hepatic disease should ask a doctor or pharmacist before use. (2)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does Naphazoline + Pheniramine work?
Most people experience relief from redness and itching within minutes of application. Maximum effect is usually seen within 15 minutes.
Can I use these eye drops with contact lenses?
No, you should remove contact lenses before using the drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting your lenses.
Is it safe to use Naphazoline + Pheniramine every day?
It is intended for short-term use. Prolonged or excessive use may worsen symptoms or cause rebound redness. Seek medical advice if you feel you need to use it for more than 3–4 days.
What should I do if my symptoms do not improve?
If your symptoms persist or worsen after 72 hours of use, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.
Are there any serious side effects?
Serious side effects are rare but may include severe eye pain, vision changes, or signs of an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Can children use Naphazoline + Pheniramine?
It is not recommended for children under 6 years. For children 6–12 years, use only under medical supervision.
What should I do if I accidentally ingest the drops?
Accidental ingestion can be dangerous, especially for children. Seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately.
What happens if I take too much Naphazoline + Pheniramine?
Taking too much Naphazoline + Pheniramine can lead to systemic absorption, potentially causing symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and increased blood pressure. In severe cases, it may lead to central nervous system depression or cardiovascular effects. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Naphazoline + Pheniramine?
While Naphazoline + Pheniramine is an ophthalmic preparation, systemic absorption of pheniramine can occur. Pheniramine is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness. Consuming alcohol while using this medication may intensify drowsiness and impair coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol intake.
Is Naphazoline + Pheniramine safe during pregnancy?
This OTC product's FDA label does not provide specific pregnancy-category or risk data — it directs use under medical advice if pregnant, without a more specific classification in the sources reviewed for this record. Always consult your healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate?
Naphazoline is an imidazoline derivative that acts as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, causing vasoconstriction of conjunctival blood vessels, thereby reducing ocular redness and congestion. Pheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively inhibits histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms such as itching and watering. (2)
What is the generic name of Naphazoline Hydrochloride And Pheniramine Maleate?
The generic name is Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate. It is sold under brand names including Naphcon-A, Napthazoline-P, Murine Hayfever Relief, Visine-A, Optrex Allergy Eye Drops, Albalon-A.
What class of drug is Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate?
Naphazoline Hydrochloride And Pheniramine Maleate is classed as: Ophthalmic decongestant and antihistamine combination.
References
- Naphazoline + PheniramineMedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine Record · Global (multi-country reference) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Eye Allergy Relief (pheniramine maleate and naphazoline hydrochloride solution/ drops)U.S. Food and Drug Administration (via DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Naphazoline hydrochloride and Pheniramine maleate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Eye Allergy Relief
- Naphcon A
- Opcon-A
- Visine Allergy Eye Relief Multi-Action