What is this medication for?
Naphcon-A® is a combination eye drop that contains two active ingredients: naphazoline hydrochloride (a vasoconstrictor) and pheniramine maleate (an antihistamine).
This medication is used to relieve eye irritation, redness, and itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition that affects the eyes, and this usually happens when your eyes are exposed to allergens (particles that can cause allergic reactions), of which they may become irritated, red, itchy and watery.
The vasoconstrictor works by narrowing the blood vessels in the eye to reduce redness, while the antihistamine helps to relieve itching and other allergic symptoms.
How should I take or use this medication?
- This medication is for use in the eyes only. Do not swallow.
- Please refer to the HealthHub leaflet on the administration technique of eye drops.
- For contact lens wearers:
- Avoid wearing contact lens when using this medication.
- However if you still need to use contact lens while being on this medication, remove them before using this medication and wait at least 30 minutes before putting your lenses back in. Otherwise, your lens may be damaged by the preservatives present in the eye drops.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
This medication may be used when required for a short period of time. This means that you do not have to use them if you do not have any symptoms.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You have narrow angle glaucoma. Narrow angle glaucoma is a condition where the pressure in the eye is increased. This happens because the fluid drainage inside the eye is blocked, causing buildup of fluid and increased eye pressure. This can cause damage to the eye's nerve.
- You have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
- You are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), medications to treat Parksinson’s disease (such as Selegiline, Rasagiline) or mental health conditions (such as Moclobemide)
If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
- Eye discomfort and stinging sensatio
- Eye surface inflammation with pain, swelling, or redness
- Blurred vision
The side-effects listed here are mild and will subside after some time. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision clears. Speak with your healthcare professionals if any of these continues, worsens, or affects your daily life.
Do not use this medication for more than three consecutive days unless directed by your doctor, as prolonged use may worsen eye redness.
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here
Other serious side effects may include:
- Increased eye pressure, changes in eyesight or eyes become painful. If you experience a stinging or pain sensation 'behind' your eye, and blurring of vision, you should stop this medication and seek immediate medical attention
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
Inform your doctor if you are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), medications to treat Parksinson’s disease (such as Selegiline, Rasagiline) or mental health conditions (such as Moclobemide) as this may increase the risk of side effects.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Discard unused opened bottle 4 weeks after opening.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
When should i throw away this medication?
Discard this medication 4 weeks after opening.
Disclaimer
The content of this article does not replace the information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS).
The images and video in this article has been developed by the Singapore National Asthma Programme (SNAP) and have been reviewed by the PSS-National Medication Information workgroup.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore