Sometimes when we wake up in the morning, or after staring at the computer all day, our eyes get red and a little itchy because of dust, right? Naphazoline eye drops are a medicine that many people use at times like this and are also commonly found in pharmacies. But it is more important to be a little aware of this than just using it. So today, let's talk about these Naphazoline eye drops.
What kind of medicine is Naphazoline?
Simply put, Naphazoline is a decongestant that temporarily constricts the small blood vessels in the eyes, reducing redness. This reduces redness and provides a clearer vision.
These are usually used:
- For minor eye redness and irritation caused by things like dust, smoke, and pollen.
- When your eyes become red due to fatigue.
In Sri Lanka, this medicine can be found under various brand names such as AK-Con, Naphcon, and Albalon. However, the main ingredient in all of these is Naphazoline.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Although you can buy this from a pharmacy, it's always wise to talk to your doctor before using it. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely let your doctor know.
- If you have glaucoma (a disease in which the pressure in the eye increases).
- If you have an allergic reaction to naphazoline or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Discussing your complete health history with your doctor will go a long way in preventing unnecessary complications.
How to use eye drops correctly
To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to apply it correctly. It's very easy, just follow these steps.
1. Hand washing: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
2. Shaking the bottle: Shake the medicine bottle well before use.
3. Eye preparation: Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch-like space between the eyelid and the eye.
4. Applying the medicine: Put one or two drops of medicine (in the amount prescribed by the doctor) into the pouch-like area.
5. Most importantly: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and make the medicine even more contaminated.
6. Closing the eye: After applying the medicine, close the eye and allow the medicine to spread for a few seconds. Do not close the eye tightly.
7. Wash your hands again: Wash your hands again after you finish your work.
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
What if you give it to small children?
If you are giving this medicine to young children, talk to a pediatrician about it, as they may need special care.
Does this have any effect with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Naphazoline, so you need to be careful if you are taking medication for other conditions.
Be especially careful when using Naphazoline with these medications:
- Some medications given for conditions like depression and anxiety.
- MAOI type medications (examples: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). These are called MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) .
- A medicine called Maprotiline.
This list may not be complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). It's also important to let your doctor know if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be aware of and side effects when using the medicine
If your symptoms do not improve within two to three days, or if they get worse, tell your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor tells you. Continued use may cause rebound redness.
Your vision may become slightly blurry after using this medicine. Therefore, do not do anything that requires clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Changes in blood pressure, dizziness, increased eye inflammation, nausea, feeling unusually tired, increased hunger or thirst. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Minor changes in vision, headache, restlessness, sweating, tearing of the eyes. |
How do you store the medicine bottle properly?
- Keep it out of the reach of small children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat or extreme cold. Do not refrigerate.
- Discard any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Naphazoline is a medicine that is used to treat redness and minor inflammation of the eyes. However, this is only for minor conditions . Do not use it if you have any eye pain or infection.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially glaucoma, high blood pressure) and all other medicines you are taking.
- When applying eye drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or your hand. This can introduce germs.
- Use only the amount and duration prescribed by your doctor. Continuous use for more than 3-4 days may damage your eyes.
- If you experience serious side effects (such as allergies, severe eye irritation, dizziness) or if your symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice immediately.
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