What is the use of naphazoline?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Though known for its quick action, a single dose of naphazoline provides relief for only a few hours. This medication is a powerful vasoconstrictor, with its use primarily targeted at temporarily relieving redness in the eyes and congestion in the nasal passages.

Quick Summary

Naphazoline is a topical decongestant that shrinks blood vessels to reduce redness in the eyes and congestion in the nose. It is available as over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays, but it must be used for a short duration to avoid rebound effects like worse congestion or redness.

Key Points

Topical Decongestant: Naphazoline is used topically to relieve redness in the eyes and nasal congestion.
Vasoconstrictive Action: It works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors to constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and redness.
Short-Term Use Only: Both eye drops and nasal sprays should not be used for more than three consecutive days to prevent rebound effects.
Risk of Rebound Congestion: Overuse can lead to a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, causing worse or persistent nasal congestion.
Important Contraindications: Do not use if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or are on MAO inhibitors, as this could cause a hypertensive crisis.
Not for Children: Naphazoline should not be used in infants and children due to the risk of severe central nervous system depression.
Common Formulations: It is available as over-the-counter eye drops (often with an antihistamine) and nasal sprays.
Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen after 72 hours, or if you experience side effects, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.

What is Naphazoline and How Does It Work?

Naphazoline hydrochloride is a topical vasoconstrictor, belonging to the class of sympathomimetic amines. As a decongestant, its primary mechanism of action involves stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing the blood vessels in the treated area—either the conjunctiva of the eye or the nasal mucosa—to constrict. This narrowing of the blood vessels reduces localized swelling and redness, providing temporary relief from symptoms.

Naphazoline is available over-the-counter in different formulations, mainly as eye drops and nasal sprays. While it was once available as a single-ingredient product, it is now more commonly found in combination with other medications, such as antihistamines, to treat multiple symptoms. The effects of naphazoline are typically rapid but short-lived, lasting only a few hours.

Primary Uses of Naphazoline

Naphazoline's potent vasoconstrictive properties make it an effective treatment for two main conditions affecting the eyes and nose.

Ophthalmic Use: Relieving Red, Irritated Eyes

For eye-related issues, naphazoline is formulated into eye drops to relieve redness caused by minor irritations. These irritations can result from:

Environmental factors like dust, wind, smog, or pollen.
Exposure to chlorinated swimming pools.
Discomfort from wearing contact lenses (note: remove contacts before using).

Often, naphazoline is combined with an antihistamine like pheniramine to target both redness and itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. For example, a popular combination product is Naphcon-A.

Nasal Use: Addressing Nasal Congestion

When used as a nasal spray, naphazoline acts as a decongestant to temporarily relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. This is typically caused by:

The common cold.
Allergies, including hay fever.
Sinusitis.

The medication shrinks swollen tissues in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing. A well-known brand for nasal naphazoline is Privine.

Risks and Side Effects of Naphazoline

While generally safe for short-term use, naphazoline has potential side effects, particularly if overused.

Common and Systemic Side Effects

Ophthalmic (Eye Drops): Mild stinging or burning in the eyes, blurred vision, watery eyes, and larger pupils (mydriasis).
Nasal (Nasal Spray): Burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge immediately after use.
Systemic Absorption: Though minimal, some of the drug can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to dizziness, headache, sweating, or nervousness. In rare, more serious cases, it can affect blood pressure and heart rate.

Rebound Congestion and Redness

One of the most significant risks of naphazoline overuse is the development of rebound effects. Prolonged or frequent use beyond the recommended duration (typically 3 days) can cause the original symptoms to return or worsen. This phenomenon is called rhinitis medicamentosa for nasal use and rebound hyperemia for ocular use.

Comparison of Naphazoline to Other Decongestants

Naphazoline is one of several alpha-adrenergic agonists used as decongestants. Here's how it compares to some alternatives.


Feature	Naphazoline (e.g., Clear Eyes Redness Relief, Privine)	Phenylephrine (e.g., Sudafed PE, Neo-Synephrine)	Oxymetazoline (e.g., Afrin)
Mechanism of Action	Stimulates alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors causing vasoconstriction.	Selective alpha-1 adrenergic agonist causing vasoconstriction.	Primarily an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist causing vasoconstriction.
Duration of Effect	Short-acting (approx. 2-6 hours).	Shorter-acting for nasal use.	Long-acting (up to 12 hours).
Risk of Rebound	High risk with overuse (>3 days) for both eye and nasal use.	Risk of rebound with overuse, particularly for nasal use.	High risk of rebound congestion with overuse (>3 days).
Formulations	Eye drops and nasal sprays.	Nasal sprays, oral tablets, and injectable forms.	Nasal sprays.
Availability	Over-the-counter (OTC), often in combination products.	OTC and prescription.	OTC.

How to Use Naphazoline Safely

To maximize the benefits of naphazoline while minimizing the risks, follow these guidelines:

Adhere to the Short-Term Rule

Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days, whether for eyes or nose.
Discontinue use and consult a doctor if your symptoms don't improve or worsen after 48 to 72 hours.

Use the Correct Technique

For eye drops: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after application. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pouch, and squeeze the drops in without touching the dropper tip to your eye or skin. Gently close your eye for a minute or two to allow absorption. Remove contact lenses before use.
For nasal spray: Blow your nose gently before use. Keep your head upright, and insert the nozzle into one nostril while pressing the other one closed. Spray while breathing in gently. Wait a few minutes before blowing your nose.

Important Precautions

Certain individuals should avoid or use naphazoline with caution due to potential health risks:

Contraindications: Those with narrow-angle glaucoma or a known hypersensitivity to naphazoline should not use it.
Pre-existing Conditions: Use with caution if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Naphazoline can affect the cardiovascular system, making these conditions riskier.
Drug Interactions: A severe hypertensive crisis can occur if naphazoline is used with certain medications for depression, such as MAO inhibitors. Consult your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Pediatric Use: Naphazoline should not be used in children, especially infants, as it can cause serious central nervous system depression.

Conclusion

Naphazoline is a fast-acting decongestant used to temporarily relieve redness in the eyes and congestion in the nose. Its mechanism of action, which involves constricting blood vessels, provides effective short-term relief. However, the critical caveat for its use is the risk of rebound congestion or redness if used for more than three days. To ensure safety and effectiveness, users must follow short-term usage guidelines, adhere to proper application techniques, and be aware of contraindications related to cardiovascular health and certain drug interactions. For persistent or worsening symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is always the recommended course of action.

Learn more about drug interactions on the Drugs.com website(https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/naphazoline-nasal-index.html).

Frequently Asked Questions

You should not use naphazoline for more than three consecutive days, whether for eyes or nose. Prolonged use can lead to rebound effects where symptoms return or become worse.

No, naphazoline is not recommended for children, especially infants. Accidental ingestion or systemic absorption can cause serious central nervous system depression.

Rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, is a condition where your nasal passages become more congested after a decongestant effect wears off, due to overuse. To avoid it, never use naphazoline nasal spray for more than 3 days.

No, you should remove contact lenses before using naphazoline eye drops. Some formulations contain preservatives that can absorb into soft contact lenses and cause irritation. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.

Naphazoline alone can reduce redness associated with allergic conjunctivitis. For relief of both redness and itching, combination eye drops containing naphazoline and an antihistamine like pheniramine are often used.

Yes. Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or narrow-angle glaucoma should use naphazoline with caution or avoid it entirely. It is also contraindicated for those taking MAO inhibitors.

Symptoms of naphazoline overdose can include a decrease in body temperature, drowsiness, slow heartbeat, and severe weakness. In severe cases, especially if swallowed, it can lead to central nervous system depression and coma. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately.