Harman Patil (Editor)

Naphazoline

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Trade names
  
Naphcon-a

Routes of administration
  
Topical (solution)

PubChem CID
  
4436

AHFS/Drugs.com
  
Monograph

CAS Number
  
835-31-4

CAS ID
  
835-31-4

Naphazoline

ATC code
  
R01AA08 (WHO) S01GA01 (WHO)

How to pronounce naphazoline naphcon a memorizing pharmacology video flashcard


Naphazoline (in the hydrochloride form) is the common name for 2-(1-naphthylmethyl)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. It is a sympathomimetic agent with marked alpha adrenergic activity. It is a vasoconstrictor with a rapid action in reducing swelling when applied to mucous membrane. It acts on alpha-receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva to produce constriction, resulting in decreased congestion. It is an active ingredient in several over-the-counter formulations including Clear Eyes and Naphcon eye drops.

Contents

The non-hydrochloride form of Naphazoline has the molecular formula C14H14N2 and a molar mass of 210.28 g/mol. The HCl salt form has a molar mass of 246.73 g/mol.

Warnings and contraindications

A few warnings and contraindications that apply to all naphazoline-containing substances intended for medicinal use are:

  • Hypersensitivity to naphazoline
  • Patients taking MAO inhibitors can experience a severe hypertensive crisis if given a sympathomimetic drug such as naphazoline HCl
  • Use in infants and children can result in central nervous system depression, leading to coma and marked reduction in body temperature
  • Should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease including cardiac arrhythmia and in patients with diabetes, especially those with a tendency toward diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Drug interactions can occur with anaesthetics that sensitize the myocardium to sympathomimetics (e.g. cyclopropane or halothane cautiously)
  • Exercise caution when applying prior to use of phenylephrine.
  • Extended use may cause rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition of rebound nasal congestion.

    • A possible association with stroke has been suggested.

    References

    Naphazoline Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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