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Overview: Naphazoline eye drops are used to help relieve eye redness. You should not use it if the eye drops appear cloudy or have changed color. Your pupils (the black circle in the center of your eye) may get bigger for a little while after using this medicine. Stop using naphazoline ophthalmic and contact your health care provider if you have vision changes, eye pain, or if your eye redness gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours.

Uses

What is naphazoline ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Naphazoline ophthalmic is commonly used to reduce eye redness from eye irritants, the wind, the sun, or from dry eyes.

Naphazoline ophthalmic may also have other ingredients to improve dryness or help with irritation or discomfort. Examples of these other ingredients may include glycerin, hypromellose, polysorbate 80, or zinc sulfate.

Naphazoline ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does naphazoline ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Naphazoline ophthalmic reduces red eyes by causing the blood vessels in the eye to shrink.

How is naphazoline ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Clear Eyes
  • Advanced Eye Relief

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.012%, 0.02%, 0.025%, 0.03% solution eye drop

Naphazoline is also available as a nasal spray. See Naphazoline nasal for more information.

How should I store naphazoline ophthalmic?

Storage requirements may vary among the different naphazoline ophthalmic products. It should generally be stored at room temperature, usually between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). Follow the directions on the product you are using. If you are unsure how to store it, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of naphazoline ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of naphazoline ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurry vision
  • Mild stinging or irritation right after using the drops
  • Dilated pupil or an increase in the size of the black circle in the center of your eye (mydriasis)
  • Eye pressure changes
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of naphazoline ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of naphazoline ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of naphazoline ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Naphazoline ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using naphazoline ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use naphazoline ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use naphazoline ophthalmic.

  • Advanced Eye Relief
  • Clear Eyes
  • Naphazoline
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific naphazoline ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about naphazoline ophthalmic before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with your product. Do not use it more often than recommended on the label. Doing so may worsen eye redness.

Naphazoline ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly put in eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep naphazoline ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

You should not use naphazoline ophthalmic if the liquid changes color or is cloudy.

If you wear contact lenses, check the product label to see if you should take them out before using naphazoline ophthalmic. If you are not sure if you should take your contacts out before using it, ask your pharmacist.

Eye infections may happen if your naphazoline eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Put the lid back on the drops after each use. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you think you have an eye infection. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eyes, blurry vision or irritation, an eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and a fever.

Stop using naphazoline ophthalmic if any of the following happen.

  • You have vision changes or eye pain
  • Your eye redness or irritation gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours

What should I tell my health care provider before using naphazoline ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if naphazoline ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Glaucoma. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma (also known as angle-closure glaucoma), check with your health care provider before using naphazoline ophthalmic.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how naphazoline ophthalmic could affect a pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use naphazoline ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if naphazoline ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use naphazoline ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does naphazoline ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between naphazoline ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect naphazoline ophthalmic.

Does naphazoline ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between naphazoline ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much naphazoline ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much naphazoline ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of naphazoline ophthalmic?

Naphazoline ophthalmic is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.