naphazoline/glycerin ophthalmic (OTC)

Frequency Not Defined

Blurred vision

Mild transient stinging and/or irritation

Mydriasis Increased or decreased intraocular pressure

Headache

Contraindications

Do not use with MAO inhibitors

Narrow angle glaucoma

Hypersensitivity

Stop use if vision changes, eye pain, condition worsens

Cautions

Remove contact lenses before use

Use with caution in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, infection, or injury

Rare reports of hypertension, cardiac irregularities, nervousness, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and sweating

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: not known if distributed in milk

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Naphazoline: May stimulate a-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system; may produce mydriasis when applied to the conjunctiva, but this effect is usually minimal with the concentrations used as ocular decongestants

Glycerin: Lubricant