Generic Name: naphazoline
Brand Name: Privine
Drug Class: Decongestants, Intranasal
What is naphazoline, and what is it used for?
Naphazoline is a nasal spray used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies.
Naphazoline shrinks swollen mucous membranes (mucosa) of the nasal passage, helps clear the nasal passage, and makes it easier to breathe. Naphazoline provides only temporary relief and does not cure the underlying condition. Naphazoline is available over the counter (OTC) in the U.S.
Naphazoline clears nasal congestion by constricting the small blood vessels (arterioles) in the nasal mucosa. Naphazoline is an alpha1 adrenergic agonist that works by stimulating alpha adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa. Alpha receptors are protein particles normally stimulated by norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter in the body, to make smooth muscles around blood vessels contract, resulting in constriction of blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
Warnings
- Do not use naphazoline if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formulation.
- Do not use naphazoline on children under 12 years of age.
- Do not use naphazoline if you have narrow angle glaucoma, a condition with high intraocular pressure that can progressively damage the optic nerve.
- Do not use naphazoline without checking with your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disease
- Prostate enlargement and/or genitourinary obstruction
- Ocular injury
- Open angle glaucoma
- Naphazoline may cause temporary discomfort, including burning, sneezing, stinging, or increased nasal discharge.
- Prolonged and frequent use of naphazoline may cause rebound nasal congestion or worsen the condition when the drug is discontinued.
What are the side effects of naphazoline?
Common side effects of naphazoline include:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal dryness
- Nasal irritation
- Central nervous system effects such as:
- Rebound nasal congestion
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:
- Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
- Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
- Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerWhat are the dosages of naphazoline?
Nasal Spray
- 0.05% (20 mL)
Adult and Pediatric:
- Children below 12 years: Not recommended
- Adults and children above 12 years: 1-2 sprays per nostril every 6 hours as needed
Overdose
- Naphazoline intranasal ingestion and overdose can cause central nervous system depression with symptoms such as low core body temperature (hypothermia) and excessively slow heartbeat (bradycardia) that can progress to coma and death.
- Naphazoline’s effects are more pronounced in children under 6 years.
- Naphazoline overdose may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.
What drugs interact with naphazoline?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Naphazoline has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
- Serious interactions of naphazoline include:
- iobenguane I 131
- Moderate interactions of naphazoline include:
- nicotine intranasal
- safinamide
- solriamfetol
- Naphazoline has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Restrict naphazoline intranasal to occasional use during pregnancy, with caution and only if clearly needed.
- It is not known if naphazoline is present in breastmilk. Use with caution if you are a nursing mother.
- Do not use any OTC drugs including naphazoline intranasal without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What else should I know about naphazoline?
- Use naphazoline exactly as prescribed or as per label directions.
- Do not exceed recommended dosages.
- Do not use naphazoline for longer than 3 days. Stop use and consult with a physician if the condition persists or worsens.
- Do not share your spray dispenser with others, it can spread the infection.
- Store safely out of reach of children.
- In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
Summary
Naphazoline is a nasal spray used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. Common side effects of naphazoline include burning, stinging, sneezing, runny nose, nasal dryness, nasal irritation, central nervous system effects (dizziness, anxiety, tremor), and rebound nasal congestion. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Picture of Allergic Contact DermatitisAllergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to the oily sap (urushiol) of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can result in...
-
Picture of Tattoo Allergic ReactionTattoo Allergic Reaction. It is possible to have reactions to the inks or the metals in the needles used in tattoos, causing...
-
Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Arm)Allergic Contact Dermatitis on Arm. This example of allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction to a henna tattoo on the arm, after...
-
Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Tattoo)Allergic contact dermatitis. This is reaction by your skin after coming into contact to some substance that you are allergic to....
-
Allergies Quiz: Symptoms & Home RemediesWhat are the causes of allergies? This online quiz challenges your knowledge of common food and household allergens,...
-
Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Gluten in Foods, Gluten Allergy Tests, and MoreDo you suffer from celiac disease? Learn about diet, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for this digestive disorder that occurs...
-
Picture of Eye AllergiesSevere allergic eye symptoms can be very distressing and are a common reason for visits to the allergist or ophthalmologist. See...
-
The Most Common Food Allergies for Kids and AdultsWhat common food allergens cause the most problems for adults and children? See this list of common food allergies and learn to...
-
Allergies: 10 Ways to Reduce Mold AllergiesWebMD shows you 10 ways to fight the fungus and reduce mold allergy symptoms from dust masks to bottles of bleach.
-
Common Allergies: Symptoms and SignsWhat are allergies? Pollen, food, perfumes, and many more things can provoke allergy symptoms. Allergies are an overreaction of...
-
10 Signs Your Allergies Are Out of ControlLearn 10 signs your allergies are out of control. See these surprising allergy symptoms and find out how to get relief for...
-
Allergies: Can You Learn to Breathe Better?Can you learn new techniques to breathe better? Healthy breathing helps you maintain the right balance of oxygen and carbon...
-
Allergies: Myths and Facts About Seasonal AllergiesSeasonal allergy symptoms are hard. Do deserts prevent allergies? What can allergies do to your body? What is an allergen? Adult...
-
Nasal Irrigation: Natural Relief for Cold & Allergy SymptomsClogged sinuses and congestion bothering you? Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds and allergies....
-
Nasal Allergy Attack: Causes, Triggers, TreatmentsNasal allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people. An allergist can recommend the best allergy nasal sprays...
-
When Animal (Allergies) Attack: Pet Allergy Symptoms, TreatmentHow do you control and relieve pet allergies? How do you prevent pet allergies? Learn dog and cat allergy symptoms, the cause of...
-
Dangerous Allergies: Anaphylaxis and Life-Threatening Allergy TriggersCommon allergy triggers may provoke anaphylaxis. Hives, tongue swelling, face swelling, rashes, low blood pressure, rapid and...
-
Allergies: Common Plants and Trees That Trigger AllergiesFind out more about which plants and trees might be producing pollen that is causing your itchy eyes and a runny nose.
-
10 Worst Cities for Spring AllergiesSee pictures of the top 10 "spring allergy capitals", according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). From...
-
Pictures of Allergy Relief Tips at Home: AC Filters, Electronic Air Cleaners, and MoreLearn how a combination of medication, preventing allergens, and allergy relief products can reduce allergy symptoms and help you...
-
Home Allergy Quiz: Is Your Home Allergy-Proof?Take this home allergy quiz and test your knowledge on allergens, dust mites, pollens and more to see how allergy-proof your home...
-
Itchy Eyes? Top 13 Ways to Tame Eye AllergiesDo you need eye drops? Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, cause itchy eyes and other allergic symptoms. Avoiding...
-
Preparing for Severe Allergies at SchoolHelp your child manage and prepare for severe allergies at school. Protect your child from food allergies, insect stings, and...
-
Allergies: Signs of a Severe Allergic ReactionFind out from WebMD's slideshow how to tell if you or someone near you is having a severe allergic reaction.
-
Top Items for Your Allergy Relief KitBe prepared for your next allergy attack no matter where you are. WebMD shows you what you need in your allergy kit to help...
-
12 Natural Ways to Defeat AllergiesAllergies making you miserable? WebMD shows you a dozen natural allergy treatments, from fresh fruit and vitamin D to acupuncture...
Related Disease Conditions
-
How Long Does an Allergic Reaction Last?Allergic reactions may last for varying lengths of time. They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months.
-
What Are the 4 Types of Allergic Reactions?Allergists recognize four types of allergic reactions: Type I or anaphylactic reactions, type II or cytotoxic reactions, type III or immunocomplex reactions and type IV or cell-mediated reactions.
-
What Is the Best Medicine for Sinus Congestion?Sinus congestion can be relieved with both over-the-counter medications and home remedies. Learn about the best medicines for sinus congestion.
-
AllergyAn allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
-
Can You Suddenly Become Allergic to Cats?Yes, it is possible to suddenly become allergic to cats, since various allergies can develop at any point in your life, such as a pet allergy.
-
What Are the 20 Most Allergic Foods?Common food allergies include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat. Here are 20 of the top food allergies.
-
Cold, Flu, Allergy TreatmentsBefore treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
-
Hay FeverHay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
-
What Causes Sudden Allergies in Adults?Can you develop allergies as an adult? Learn about what causes sudden adult-onset allergies and how you can recognize the symptoms.
-
Food AllergyThe most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs of a food allergy reaction include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
-
Eye AllergyEye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
-
How Do You Calm Down an Allergy Attack?Here are thirteen tips to calm an allergy attack and put an end to constant sneezing, itching, and congestion.
-
What Are the Symptoms of a Milk Allergy in Adults?Milk allergy reactions may cause immediate or delayed symptoms. Learn to spot the signs and what foods to avoid if you have a dairy allergy.
-
Allergic CascadeThe allergic cascade refers to allergic reactions that happen in the body in response to allergens. A variety of immune cells and chemical messengers participate in the allergic cascade. Symptoms of the allergic cascade range from mild swelling and itching to full-blown anaphylactic shock. Allergen avoidance and medications are used to prevent or treat allergies.
-
Indoor AllergensIndoor allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Avoiding indoor allergens is one way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
-
Can You Eat Avocado if You Have a Nut Allergy?Since avocado is classified as a fruit and not a tree nut, you should be able to eat avocados even if you have a nut allergy. However, some studies have shown that avocados have similar proteins as chestnuts. So if you’re allergic to chestnuts, you may have to avoid avocados.
-
How Long Does It Take for Allergic Conjunctivitis to Go Away?Without treatment, allergic conjunctivitis symptoms could last the entire time that your critical allergen is present — which can vary greatly.
-
How Do You Decongest a Baby?Nose and chest congestion are a common occurrence in babies. You can decongest your baby with rest, positioning, hydration, a warm bath, and other home remedies. Most cases of nasal congestion are harmless, but in a few cases where the chest is congested and the baby is not taking feeds, is dull, or has a high fever, it is prudent to seek medical consultation.
-
What Are the 12 Food Allergens?According to studies, the twelve most common food allergens include milk, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, fish, corn, sesame seeds, mustard, and celery. Check out the center below for more medical references on food allergens, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
What Nuts Are the Worst for Allergies?A nut allergy develops when the body's immune system becomes oversensitive to a particular protein in a nut. Nuts that are the worst for allergies include peanuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds, Brazil nuts and pine nuts.
-
Is It Possible to Be Allergic to Cinnamon?Cinnamon is a popular spice in many dishes. Cinnamon gives dishes a distinct flavor. Only a small percent of people experience allergic reactions after ingesting or coming into contact with cinnamon.
-
Allergy Treatment Begins at HomeAvoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.
-
Are Food Allergies Passed Down Genetically?A food allergy is a condition that causes your immune system to fight against a particular part of food — which is called an allergen. Food allergies can be hereditary — that is, parents can pass the likelihood of developing a food allergy to their children through genes that code for inherited traits.
-
Sinus Infection vs. AllergiesBoth sinus infections and allergies (allergic rhinitis) cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Sinus infection (known as sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi (molds). Allergic rhinitis occurs when certain allergies cause nasal symptoms. When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander, symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, itching, sneezing, and fatigue occur.
-
How Do You Know If You Are Allergic to Mosquito Bites?Mosquito bite allergies can cause issues if untreated. Learn the signs of a mosquito bite allergy, what causes it, and what you can do to treat it.
-
What Is the Fastest Way to Fix Seasonal Allergies?Seasonal allergies are common and tend to ramp up during the spring and summer. Learn about how to get rid of seasonal allergies fast with these 13 home remedies.
-
Insect Sting AllergiesThe majority of stinging insects in the United States are from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. The severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.
-
Latex AllergyLatex allergy is a condition where the body reacts to latex, a natural product derived from the rubber tree. The reaction can either be delayed and cause a skin rash or immediate, which can lead to anaphylaxis. Avoiding latex is the most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction.
-
What Are the Best Treatments for Allergic Conjunctivitis?Learn what medical treatments can ease allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and help speed up your eye allergy recovery.
-
What Causes Allergy Flare-ups?During certain seasons, allergies can make you miserable. Learn what causes allergy flare-ups during spring and summer.
-
What Is the Most Common Tree Nut Allergy?The most common nut allergies are cashew, walnut, hazelnut and pistachio. In the U.S. the most common nut allergy is cashew, followed by walnut. In the U.K. the most common nut allergy is hazelnut.
-
Why Won’t My Allergy Symptoms Go Away?Allergies happen when your body's immune system reacts to certain substances as though they are harmful. Allergy symptoms may not go away unless you avoid your triggers, stick to your medications, find the right combination of medications, and consider surgery.
-
Can Fall Allergies Cause Sinus Headaches?Fall allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and sinus headache. Learn more about causes, treatment, and prevention of fall allergies.
-
Can Congestion Be the Only Symptom of COVID-19?Congestion can be the only symptom of COVID-19 in some cases.
-
Drug AllergyDrug or medication allergies are caused when the immune system mistakenly creates an immune response to a medication. Symptoms of a drug allergic reaction include hives, rash, itchy skin or eyes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fainting, and anxiety. The most common drugs that people are allergic to include penicillins and penicillin type drugs, sulfa drugs, insulin, and iodine. Treatment may involve antihistamines or corticosteroids. An EpiPen may be used for life-threatening anaphylactic symptoms.
-
COVID-19 vs. AllergiesThough there is some overlap in allergy and COVID-19 signs and symptoms there are also significant differences. Symptoms that they have in common include headache, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sore throat. Fever does not occur with allergies but is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19 infections.
-
How Can I Help My Child With a Peanut Allergy?Since there is no cure for peanut allergies, prevention and keeping an epinephrine injector (EpiPen) on hand is key to helping your child’s allergy.
-
What Foods Cause Oral Allergy Syndrome?Oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen food allergy syndrome or PFAS, is a type of food allergy caused by certain allergens found in both pollen and raw vegetables and fruits and some nuts. Foods that cause oral allergy syndrome include those in the birch, grass and ragweed families.
-
What Are the Symptoms of Ragweed Allergy?The common symptoms of ragweed allergy are sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery red eyes, headache, nasal congestion, eye swelling, rashes and coughing.
-
Is Allergic Conjunctivitis the Same as Conjunctivitis?Allergic conjunctivitis may occur along with sneezing, runny nose, or sinus headache. Many people also find that they are tired and feel agitated.
-
How Do You Get Tested for Food Allergies?If you develop symptoms of a food allergy, your doctor will have you undergo a skin test or blood test to determine which foods you are allergic to.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/privine-naphazoline-343407
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ac1410ce-ae7f-498d-b84c-a6d32e1c87a6
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5624-214/privine-nasal/decongestant-drops-nasal/details
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB06711