naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

naphazoline-zinc ophthalmic, Clear Eyes ACR

What is the most important information I should know about naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a thyroid disorder.

Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic should be used for only 2 or 3 days at a time. Stop using the medication and call your doctor if your eye condition does not improve within 72 hours of use.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have ongoing or worsening eye redness, eye pain, changes in your vision, chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate, severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

What is naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.

Zinc is a mineral that is used in this medication as an astringent to gently clear proteins and mucus from the outer surface of the eye.

The combination of naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic is used for temporary relief of minor eye irritation such as redness, dryness, or burning. This medication is also used to clear mucus build-up on the outer surface of the eye caused by dust, pollen, or smoke.

Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;

• heart disease, high blood pressure; or

• a thyroid disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.