Naphazoline - Ophthalmic

Naphazoline helps relieve redness and minor irritations of the eye.

Instil Naphazoline eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
2. Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
3. Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds. Using your index finger, you may gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1-2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Naphazoline into other parts of the body.
4. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
5. Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.

If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Naphazoline, wait for at least 15 minutes before using the other medicine.

Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.

Some brands of Naphazoline contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.

This medicine is for intermittent or occasional use only.

Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• angle-closure glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• iritis (inflammation of the coloured part of the eye)
• damage in the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye which helps focus light to see clearly)
• other serious eye problems
• risk factor for having increased pressure in the eye

as Naphazoline may not be suitable for you.

This medicine should not be used if you had a previous eye surgery or before a certain eye surgery.

Do not use Naphazoline if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• depression
• arteriosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the blood vessels)
• diabetes
• overactive thyroid gland
• enlarged prostate gland

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Avoid long-term use of Naphazoline.

Naphazoline may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: temporary stinging or irritation of the eye, eye pain, dizziness, and headache.

If you develop continued eye redness or irritation, eye pain, vision changes, or worsening of your condition after 24-48 hours of use, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not use Naphazoline if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other types of medicines used to treat depression
• medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine
• medicines for high blood pressure
• digoxin (medicine for heart disease)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Naphazoline.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.

Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.