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Overview: Nasal naphazoline is used to help with a stuffy nose or sinus problems from a cold or allergies. Side effects may include burning or stinging in your nose or sneezing right after using it. You should not use nasal naphazoline for more than three days unless your health care provider tells you to do so. Using this medicine more than three days in a row may make your stuffy nose or sinus problems worse.

Uses

What is nasal naphazoline used for?

Nasal naphazoline is a decongestant commonly used to help relieve a stuffy nose or sinus pressure or congestion from the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies.

Nasal naphazoline may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does nasal naphazoline work (mechanism of action)?

Nasal naphazoline helps shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose and sinuses. This helps to relieve the congestion and pressure.

How is nasal naphazoline supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Privine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% nasal spray

Naphazoline is also available in a form that is applied to the eye. See Naphazoline ophthalmic for more information.

How should I store naphazoline nasal?

Store nasal naphazoline below 77 F (25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nasal naphazoline?

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

  • Burning or stinging in your nose
  • Sneezing
  • Dry nose

There may be other side effects of nasal naphazoline 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 nasal naphazoline?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nasal naphazoline may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nasal naphazoline 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nasal naphazoline?

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

  • Naphazoline
  • Privine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Children Less Than 2 Years Old. Children younger than 2 should not use nasal naphazoline.

What should I know about nasal naphazoline before using it?

Keep nasal naphazoline out of the reach of children.

Follow the instructions that come with your medicine. You should not use nasal naphazoline for more than three days in a row. Using this medicine more than three days in a row may cause your stuffy nose or sinus problems to come back or get worse. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you have questions.

Do not share your nasal naphazoline with anyone else. This can spread germs and may lead to an infection.

Contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve after three days of using nasal naphazoline.

Ask your health care provider before using nasal naphazoline in a child 6 years old or younger.

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

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 nasal naphazoline is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nasal naphazoline may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using nasal naphazoline, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart disease
  • Blood pressure problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes
  • Trouble peeing due to a large prostate
  • Glaucoma

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nasal naphazoline could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if nasal naphazoline passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does nasal naphazoline interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nasal naphazoline.

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

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.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using zavegepant (Zavzpret), which is used for migraine headaches.

This may not be the only medicine that can interact with nasal naphazoline. Always check with your health care provider.

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 nasal naphazoline?

If you or someone else has used too much nasal naphazoline, 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 nasal naphazoline?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.