Naphazoline is a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor used for the symptomatic relief of redness and itching of the eye, and nasal congestion. Naphazoline is a rapid acting imidazoline sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor of ocular or nasal artierioles.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 5 references
Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor that functions by stimulating alpha adrenergic receptors in arterioles leading to decreased congestion at the site of administration.
Naphazoline causes the release of norepinephrine in sympathetic nerves. Norepinephrine binds to alpha adrenergic receptors and causes vasoconstriction. Naphazoline is also a mild beta adrenergic receptor agonist, which can cause rebound vasodilation after the alpha adrenergic stimulation has ended. Naphazoline's release of norepinephrine also triggers a negative feedback loop which decreases production of norepinephrine, which can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa after long term use when naphazoline is stopped.
- Primary indication
- Naphazoline is indicated for use as OTC eyedrops for ocular vasoconstriction or as a nasal preparation for nasal congestion.Curator reviewed · 38 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C14H14N2 · 210.2744 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2001 · United States, 1974
- Also known as
- Nafazolin
- Brand names
Resolves to
CNIIGCLFLJGOGP-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESC(C1=NCCN1)C1=CC=CC2=CC=CC=C12What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Naphazoline, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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