Naphazoline

Naphazoline (in the hydrochloride form) is the common name for 2-(1-naphthylmethyl)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride. It is a sympathomimetic agent with marked alpha adrenergic activity. It is a vasoconstrictor with a rapid action in reducing swelling when applied to mucous membrane. It acts on alpha-receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva to produce constriction, resulting in decreased congestion. It is an active ingredient in Naphcon-A and Clearine eye drops.

It has the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₄N₂.HCl and a molecular weight of 246.73 g/mol.

Warnings and contraindications

A few warnings and contraindications that apply to all naphazoline-containing substances intended for medicinal use are:

Hypersensitivity to naphazoline
Patients taking MAO inhibitors can experience a severe hypertensive crisis if given a sympathomimetic drug such as naphazoline HCl
Use in infants and children can result in central nervous system depression, leading to coma and marked reduction in body temperature
Should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease including cardiac arrythmia and in patients with diabetes, especially those with a tendency toward diabetic ketoacidosis
Drug interactions can occur with anaesthetics that sensitize the myocardium to sympathomimetics (e.g cyclopropane or halothane cautiously)
Exercise caution when applying prior to use of phenylephrine.

A possible association with stroke has been suggested.

Translation of "Naphazoline"

Hungarian: Nafazolin, Japanese: 塩酸ナファゾリン, Polish: Nafazolina, Portuguese: Nafazolina, Russian: Нафазолин.