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Naphazoline / pheniramine

Allergy · OTC
Trade namesNaphcon-A, Visine-A, Opcon-A
Drug classDecongestant + antihistamine (combination)
StrengthNaphazoline 0.025% / pheniramine 0.3%
AvailabilityOTC
Mechanism of actionAlpha-adrenergic vasoconstrictor plus first-generation H1-antagonist.
Indication / reason for useShort-term relief of redness and itching from allergic conjunctivitis.
Usual adult dosing1 drop up to 4×/day for no more than ~3 days.
PreservativeBAK
Contact lensesRemove lenses before use.
Common / important adverse effectsRebound hyperemia (conjunctivitis medicamentosa) with overuse, mydriasis, stinging, raised IOP.
Contraindications & cautionsNarrow angles / untreated angle-closure risk; caution with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, MAOIs; children <6 y.
Pregnancy / lactationAvoid routine use; limited data.
Practice notesCounsel firmly against chronic use because of rebound redness.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.

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