DECONGESTANTS (Ophthalmic)

Brand & Generic Names

Ak-Con	NAPHAZOLINE
Albalon	Naphcon
Allerest	Naphcon Forte
Clear Eyes	Napholine
Comfort	Ocu-Zoline
Degest 2	Opcon
Estivin II	TETRAHYDROZILINE
I-Naphline	VasoClear
Murine	Vasocon
Muro's Opcon	Visine
Nafazair

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes, for some
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Decongestant (ophthalmic)

Uses

Treats eye redness, itching, burning or other irritation due to dust, colds, allergies, rubbing eyes, wearing contact lenses, swimming or eye strain from close work, watching TV, reading.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Eye drops
Wash hands.
Apply pressure to inside corner of eye with middle finger.
Tilt head backward. Pull lower lid away from eye with index finger of the same hand.
Drop eye drops into pouch and close eye. Don't blink.
Keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
Continue pressure for 1 minute after placing medicine in eye.
Don't touch applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). If you accidentally touch tip, clean with warm soap and water.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep cool, but don't freeze.
Wash hands immediately after using.

When to use:
As directed. Usually every 3 or 4 hours.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Acts on small blood vessels to make them constrict or become smaller.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 10 minutes.

Don't use with:
Other eye drops without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Increased eye irritation.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

Blurred vision, large pupils, weakness, drowsiness, decreased body temperature, slow heartbeat, dizziness, headache, nervousness, nausea.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to any decongestant eye drops.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you take antidepressants or maprolitine.
• If you have eye disease, infection or injury.
• If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Infants & children:
Don't use.

Prolonged use:
Don't use for more than 3 or 4 days.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May not need all the medicine in container. If symptoms disappear, stop using.

Others:

• Keep cool, but don't freeze.
• Check with your doctor if eye irritation continues or becomes worse.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Clinically significant intera	ctions with oral or injected

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	Smoke may increase eye irritation.
	Avoid.