Drugs >  Naphazoline and Pheniramine
Naphazoline and Pheniramine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(naf AZ oh leen & fen NIR a meen)

Brand Names
Naphcon-A® Ophthalmic [OTC]

Therapeutic Categories
Ophthalmic Agent, Vasoconstrictor

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to naphazoline, pheniramine, or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine relieves symptoms (watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes) from allergies.
  • Long-term nasal congestion and headache are treated by pheniramine.


How does it work?

  • Naphazoline, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • Pheniramine is a decongestant.


How is it best taken?

  • For the eye only.
  • Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
  • After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes before using the next.
  • Do not touch the bottle tip to eye, lid, or other skin.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.
  • Can be used on an as needed basis.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Do not use this medicine if you have glaucoma.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Dizziness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Inability to sleep, nervousness, excitability, and restlessness.


What should I monitor?

  • Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating symptoms.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, passing out, fainting, or severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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