Opcon-A

Generic name: naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic [ naf-AZ-oh-leen-and-fen-IR-a-meen-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Naphcon-A, Opcon-A, Visine-A
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Opcon-A?

Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.

Pheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itchy or watery eyes.

Opcon-A (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or itching caused by ragweed, pollen, grass, or animal dander and hair.

Opcon-A may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Opcon-A side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Opcon-A may cause serious side effects. Stop using Opcon-A and call your doctor at once if you have:

• ongoing or worsening eye redness;

• eye pain; or

• changes in your vision.

Common side effects of Opcon-A may include:

• mild burning or stinging of the eye;

• dilated pupils, blurred vision; or

• eyes being more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Opcon-A if you are allergic to naphazoline or pheniramine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• urination problems; or

• narrow-angle glaucoma.

It is not known whether Opcon-A will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Opcon-A should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I use Opcon-A?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using the medicine too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to blood vessels in your eyes.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops recommended.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away the eye drops after the expiration date on the medicine label has passed.

Related/similar drugs

triprolidine, fluorometholone ophthalmic, Flarex, Naphcon-A, FML, FML Liquifilm

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Opcon-A is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Opcon-A is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

What should I avoid while using naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Opcon-A may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Opcon-A before putting in your contact lenses.

What other drugs will affect Opcon-A?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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