Naphazoline/Pheniramine (Into The Eye)

Naphazoline (naf-AZ-oh-leen), Pheniramine (fen-IR-a-meen)

Treats redness, irritation, and inflammation of the eye.

Brand Name(s):

Opcon-A, Naphcon-A, Visine-A
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or to either naphazoline or pheniramine. You should not use this medicine if you have glaucoma. These eyedrops should not be used in infants or children.

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® while using naphazoline/pheniramine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any heart problems.
• Use these drops exactly as your doctor ordered. Using more of them or using them for a longer time may cause serious side effects.
• Check with your doctor if you have eye discomfort you did not have before using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Eye pain, changes in vision
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Large (dilated) pupils, drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.