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| Pronunciation |
|
 (naf
AZ oh leen & fen NIR a
meen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Naphcon-A® Ophthalmic
[OTC] |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Ophthalmic Agent, Vasoconstrictor |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to naphazoline, pheniramine, or any other part
of the medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine relieves symptoms (watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes)
from allergies.
- Long-term nasal congestion and headache are treated by
pheniramine.
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| How does it work? |
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- 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.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- 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.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- 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.
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| 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.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- 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.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating
symptoms.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- 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.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- 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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