naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: naf AZ oh leen and fen IR a meen off THAL mik

Brand: Naphcon-A, Opcon-A, Visine-A

What is the most important information I should know about naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.

Pheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itchy or watery eyes.

Naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or itching caused by ragweed, pollen, grass, or animal dander and hair.

Naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to naphazoline or pheniramine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • urination problems; or
  • narrow-angle glaucoma.

It is not known whether naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I use naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using the medicine too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to blood vessels in your eyes.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops recommended.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away the eye drops after the expiration date on the medicine label has passed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

What should I avoid while using naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

What are the possible side effects of naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • ongoing or worsening eye redness;
  • eye pain; or
  • changes in your vision.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild burning or stinging of the eye;
  • dilated pupils, blurred vision; or
  • eyes being more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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