Skip to main content

Naphcon

Generic name: naphazoline ophthalmicna-FAZ-oh-leen-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Clear Eyes, Clear Eyes + Redness Relief, Redness Relief Eye Drops, AK-Con, Albalon, Allersol, Naphcon
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Naphcon?

Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.

Naphcon (for the eye) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.

Naphcon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Naphcon side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Naphcon may cause serious side effects. Stop using Naphcon and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Naphcon may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Naphcon is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or discomfort caused by minor irritants.

You should not use Naphcon if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Stop using Naphcon and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, vision changes, severe dizziness, or headache, buzzing in your ears, or feeling short of breath.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Naphcon if you are allergic to it, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Naphcon will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether naphazoline ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Naphcon?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Naphcon is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of naphazoline ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep Naphcon out of the reach of children. Certain eye medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the eye dropper.

What should I avoid while using Naphcon?

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Naphcon may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

What other drugs will affect Naphcon?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Naphcon if you are also using any of the following drugs:

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Naphcon. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Does Naphcon interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Discover a treatment option for Hereditary Amyloidosis