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 Naphcon-A and Clearine eye drops.
It has the molecular formula C14H14N2.HCl and a molecular weight 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 arrythmia 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.
A possible association with stroke has been suggested.
References
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Tuesday July 22, 2008 at 11:41:05 PDT (GMT -0700)
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