Naphazoline and Antazoline (Ophthalmic)

Generic name: Naphazoline and Antazoline (ophthalmic) [ naf-AZ-oh-leen-& an-TAZ-oh-leen ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 27, 2024.

Uses of Naphazoline and Antazoline:

• It is used to treat eye irritation due to allergies.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Naphazoline and Antazoline?

• If you are allergic to naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic); any part of naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have glaucoma.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Naphazoline and Antazoline?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not give naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic) to a child without first checking with your child's doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Naphazoline and Antazoline) best taken?

Use naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Wash your hands before use.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Take out contact lenses before using naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic). Talk with your doctor to see when lenses may be put back in after naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic) is given. Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses or extra doses.
• Many times naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of heart problems like chest pain, fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or shortness of breath.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Feeling sleepy.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Naphazoline and Antazoline?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Naphazoline and Antazoline?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about naphazoline and antazoline (ophthalmic), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer