naphazoline (OTC)

Frequency Not Defined

CNS (anxiety, dizziness, tremor, etc)

Burning

Stinging

Sneezing

Dryness

Local irritation

Rebound congestion

Contraindications

Heart disease (incr BP, HR, palpitations)

Narrow angle glaucoma

Cautions

Caution in HTN, hyperthyroidism, ocular injury, DM, open-angle glaucoma

Overuse may cause rebound congestion

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk

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

Alpha 1 adrenergic agonist; stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in nasal conjunctiva and arterioles to produce vasoconstriction that results in nasal decongestion

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: minimal systemic

Onset: 10 min

Duration: 2-6 hr