Naphazoline

Naphazoline

Clinical data
Routes of administration	Topical
ATC code	R01AA08 (WHO)
Identifiers
IUPAC name 2-(1-naphthylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazole
CAS Number	835-31-4
PubChem CID	4436
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C14H14N2
Molar mass	210.274

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

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

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

1.Hypersensitivity to Naphazoline.
2.Patients taking MAO inhibitors can experience a severe hypertensive (see hypertension) crisis if given a sympathomimetic drug such as naphazoline HCl.
3.Use in infants and children can result in CNS depression, leading to coma and marked reduction in body temperature.
4.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.
5 Drug interactions can occur with anaesthetics that sensitize the myocardium to sympathomimetics (e.g cyclopropane or halothane cautiously.
6.Exercise caution when applying prior to use of phenylephrine.

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