Naphazoline 835-31-4
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 several over-the-counter formulations including Clear Eyes and Naphcon eye drops. It has the molecular formula C14H14N2. HCl and a molecular weight of 246. 73 g/mol.
Warnings and contraindications
A few warnings and contraindications that apply to all naphazoline-containing substances intended for medicinal use are:
- Hypersensitivity to naphazoline
- Patients taking MAO inhibitors can experience a severe hypertensive crisis if given a sympathomimetic drug such as naphazoline HCl
- Use in infants and children can result in central nervous system depression, leading to coma and marked reduction in body temperature
- 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
- Drug interactions can occur with anaesthetics that sensitize the myocardium to sympathomimetics (e. g. cyclopropane or halothane cautiously)
- Exercise caution when applying prior to use of phenylephrine.
A possible association with stroke has been suggested.
| Systematic (IUPAC) name: | 2-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole |
|---|---|
| Naphazoline CAS number: | 835-31-4 |
| ATC code: | R01AA08 |
| PubChem: | 4436 |
| DrugBank: | |
| Formula: | C14H14N2 |
| Molecular mass: | 210.274 g/mol |
| Naphazoline Assay/Purity: | Typically NLT 98% |
