Naphazoline 0.012% eye drops
Available from a pharmacy with pharmacist advice
Naphazoline is a rapid acting imidazoline sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor of ocular or nasal artierioles[L5804,L5807].
Safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Source: DrugBank (CC BY-NC 4.0).
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Naphazoline
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Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
EudraVigilance
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Naphazoline
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EudraVigilance data is published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily caused by the medicine.
1 branded products available
Part of the Murine brand family (generic: Naphazoline)
MHRA licensed products
View all licensed products for Naphazoline on the MHRA register
Murine irritation & redness relief 0.012% eye drops
This is the NHS Drug Tariff indicative price used for reimbursement purposes. It may not reflect the price paid by patients or pharmacies.
View full Drug TariffSource: NHS Drug Tariff via NHSBSA. Derived from dm+d VMPP (Virtual Medicinal Product Pack) pricing data. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
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NHS UK identifiers
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF code shown is the factual mapping value distributed by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in the dm+d supplementary file under OGL v3.0; it is not affiliated with, nor licensed from, the publishers of the British National Formulary. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing all 22 studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 1 · 2023–2026
Showing all 22 studies, sorted by most relevant.
Melissa Toyos, Clara C. Chan, Jorge L. Alio, et al.
Ophthalmology and Therapy, 2026
Conjunctival hyperemia is one of the most frequent ophthalmologic presentations and may adversely affect quality of life due to associated discomfort and aesthetic concerns. In many countries, the prevalence of noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia is increasing due to lifestyle factors and the shift to technology-based employment. Management of noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia is typically aimed at addressing the underlying cause while alleviating signs and symptoms. However, an underlying cause might not be identified, treatment may not immediately reduce redness, or residual redness might persist. Topical treatment options include lubricants, decongestants, antihistamines/mast cell stabilizers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Among these, ocular decongestants provide effective short-term relief, but the use of α1- (phenylephrine, tetrahydrozoline) or mixed α1/α2- (naphazoline, oxymetazoline) adrenergic receptor agonists is associated with tachyphylaxis and rebound redness. A highly selective α2- adrenergic receptor agonist (brimonidine 0.025%) reduces ocular redness without evidence of tachyphylaxis over 29 days and with minimal rebound redness upon discontinuation; however, longer-term effectiveness has not been evaluated. Other unmet needs pertain to the management of noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia as an aesthetic issue and the need to educate patients about the risks of surgical eye-whitening procedures and national recalls. Region- or country-specific unmet needs include a lack of awareness of the need for clinical assessment and appropriate treatment of ocular redness. While many cases of noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia can be self-treated, unmet needs remain with respect to access to care and patient awareness/knowledge of safe and appropriate treatment options and the importance of clinical consultation. The development of management guidelines specific to noninfectious conjunctival hyperemia is warranted to address patients' clinical and aesthetic concerns.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC
Haixia He, Yameng Wan, Fanfan Li, et al.
Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2023
Yameng Wan, Haixia He, Fanfan Li, et al.
Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2023
Vandana S. Shende, M. B, Vandana Patel, et al.
Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2025
D. B. Ponomarev, D. V. Remizov, A. Y. Kondakov, et al.
Biology Bulletin, 2023
Takatoshi Oishi, Masahiro Kashiura, Hideto Yasuda, et al.
The American journal of emergency medicine, 2023
- Naphazoline
- Nicardipine
- Cardiac Output
Hiroki Uehara, David Taguchi, Toshiaki Osanai, et al.
Journal of cardiology cases, 2023
Ruaa M. Mahmood, H. Yassen, N. Alassaf, et al.
Journal of Applied Spectroscopy, 2023
Kadiyani L, Rana A, Dadhwal V, et al.
2024
Sir, Idiopathic fetal ductal constriction is a reversible cause of hydrops. Timely detection and prompt induction of preterm delivery are essential for improving fetal outcomes. We hereby report an uncomplicated survival of a preterm fetus despite ductal constriction with right ventricular dysfunction and hydrops. A 30-year-old multigravida was referred at 33 weeks of gestation for fetal pericardial effusion. The previous two pregnancies had resulted in early neonatal death at 3 h and 3 days, respectively. Detailed records related to the events were not available. Hence, the exact reason for recurrent neonatal deaths was not known. Fetal echocardiography revealed a structurally normal heart. The ductus arteriosus (DA), however, had continuous flow with peak gradients >2 m/s throughout the cardiac cycle, thus indicating severe constriction [Figure 1]. The right ventricle (RV) was hypertrophied, dilated, and dysfunctional [Figure 2a]. The fetus also had severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and mild pericardial effusion [Figure 2b]. The diastolic flow in the ductus venosus was also absent. There was no history of intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine), adrenergic alpha agonist (oxymetazoline, naphazoline), polyphenol-rich substances (herbal tea, caffeine) or exposure to chemical solvents. Considering the comprised hemodynamics of the fetus, preterm delivery was contemplated, and antenatal corticosteroids were administered. Strict and intensive fetal surveillance was carried out by biophysical profile. She underwent a cesarean section at 34 weeks 2 days and delivered a male baby weighing 2750 g with an Apgar score of 9 at one and 10 minutes. The perinatal transition was uneventful. Echocardiography on day 3 showed mild RV dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion-24 mm [normal -33mm]) and bidirectional shunt across the patent foramen ovale. In the absence of tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation, estimation of pulmonary artery pressure could not be done; however, no features suggestive of pulmonary hypertension were present. There was no evidence of a patent ductus arteriosus. There was no arterial desaturation.Figure 1: Pulse wave Doppler across the ductus arteriosus showing continuous gradient with systolic velocity of 2.5 m/s and diastolic velocity of 1.9 m/sFigure 2: (a) Axial four chamber view showing the dilated right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA). (b) Color doppler across the atrioventricular valve showing severe tricuspid regurgitation. RA: right atrium, RV: Right ventricle; LV: Left ventricleIntrauterine constriction of DA, defined by continuous flow with a peak velocity of more than 1.49 m/s, is a serious condition with most fetuses developing RV dysfunction. Although commonly related to maternal exposure to drugs or chemicals, in one-sixth of fetuses, constriction of DA is idiopathic.[1] A relatively late median fetal age of 34 weeks at diagnosis makes preterm delivery of the fetus an easy and effective treatment strategy. Although 18% of neonates have persistent pulmonary hypertension, the majority have good clinical outcomes. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-SA
M. Galasso
European Heart Journal Supplements, 2024
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
1 found
Half-life
4 to 8 hours
Mechanism
Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor that functions by stimulating alpha adrenergic…
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
3 targets
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
Half-life
4 to 8 hours
[L5807]…
Protein binding
Volume of distribution
Metabolism
Elimination
Clearance
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Naphazoline was first developed in 1942 as a nasal formulation for congestion[A176609].
[A176558][L5804][L5807]
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 935 interactions
[A176558]
This effect is especially pronounced in children under 6 years.
[A176558][A176564]
Long term use of naphazoline can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa once naphazoline is stopped.
[A176567]
This condition is a result of norepinephrine release by naphazoline triggering a negative feedback loop.
[A176567]
Safety and effectiveness in children under 12 has not been establishedF4214. Studies in elderly patients have yet to be performedF4214. Risk in pregnancy, breast feeding, and on overall fertility have not been established, though pregnant and breast feeding patients should consider the risk and benefit before starting naphazoline treatmentF4214.
Naphazoline causes the release of norepinephrine in sympathetic nerves[A176567]. Norepinephrine binds to alpha adrenergic receptors and causes vasoconstriction[A176567]. Naphazoline is also a mild beta adrenergic receptor agonist, which can cause rebound vasodilation after the alpha adrenergic stimulation has ended[A176567]. Naphazoline's release of norepinephrine also triggers a negative feedback loop which decreases production of norepinephrine, which can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa after long term use when naphazoline is stopped[A176567].
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
[L5807]
Other imidazoline compounds have half lives varying from 2 to 12 hoursT530.
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
PMID:21645528
Positively regulates postnatal regression of retinal hyaloid vessels via suppression of VEGFR2/KDR activity, downstream of OPN5 (By similarity)
ATC R01AB02
ATC S01GA01
ATC S01GA51
ATC R01AA08
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Naphazoline
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
9542
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
5642
ChemSpider
4283
BindingDB
50001922
ZINC
ZINC000000119717
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:281
GenAtlas
ADRA2A
GeneCards
ADRA2A
GenBank Gene Database
M23533
GenBank Protein Database
178196
Guide to Pharmacology
25
UniProt Accession
ADA2A_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:277
GenAtlas
ADRA1A
GeneCards
ADRA1A
GenBank Gene Database
D25235
GenBank Protein Database
433201
Guide to Pharmacology
22
UniProt Accession
ADA1A_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:3023
GenAtlas
DRD2
GeneCards
DRD2
GenBank Gene Database
M30625
GenBank Protein Database
181432
Guide to Pharmacology
215
UniProt Accession
DRD2_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
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Structured knowledge from the free knowledge base
Linked open data from Wikidata (Q415433), a free and open knowledge base operated by the Wikimedia Foundation. Data is available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication. WHO INN from the World Health Organization.