Nafazolin: what it is for, how to use it and side effects

Nafazolin is a nasal decongestant indicated to relieve the symptoms of colds, rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, such as nasal congestion and the feeling of a blocked nose, as it acts by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, reducing blood flow, which reduces swelling and nasal obstruction.

This remedy can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of nasal drops, containing 0.5 mg/mL of naphazoline hydrochloride, with the trade names Sorine, Neosoro, Narix or Multisoro, for example, or even in its generic form, as “naphazoline hydrochloride” and should be used with medical advice.

In addition, naphazoline can also be found in the form of eye drops to be used in the eyes, sold in combination with other substances, such as zinc sulfate or pheniramine maleate, to help relieve eye redness or allergies. Learn how to use eye drops.

What is it for

Naphazoline is indicated to decongest the nose, relieving nasal obstruction and symptoms of a blocked or runny nose, caused by colds, rhinitis or rhinosinusitis.

The effect of naphazoline is quick, becomes evident approximately 10 minutes after administration and lasts an average of 2 to 6 hours.

How to use

Naphazoline nasal solution should be used by applying the drops directly into the nostrils, and the normally recommended doses are:

• Adults and children over 12 years old: Place 2 to 4 drops of 0.5 mg/mL naphazoline solution into each nostril and then inhale the air. This procedure can be repeated 4 to 6 times a day, according to medical advice.

Treatment with naphazoline nasal solution can be carried out for a maximum of 3 to 5 days.

This is because prolonged use of this medicine can cause rebound nasal congestion, which is when the body starts to produce substances to cause dilation of the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, as it realizes that there has been a decrease in blood flow in this region and, thus, the discomfort of the nose. Nasal congestion may worsen.

Read too: Rebound effect: what it is, symptoms, causes (and what to do)

Possible side effects ​

The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with naphazoline are a burning sensation, stinging or stinging sensations in the nostrils, sneezing, headache, nausea or blurred vision.

Additionally, when used for more than 3 to 5 days, naphazoline may cause rebound nasal congestion or rhinitis drug.

Naphazoline may also cause heart palpitations, chest pain, ringing in the ears, anxiety, mental confusion, or shortness of breath. In these cases, treatment must be stopped and seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room.

This medicine can also cause drowsiness and, therefore, caution should be taken or avoid activities such as driving, using heavy machinery or carrying out dangerous activities.

Who shouldn’t use

Naphazoline should not be used by children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, lactating women, after oro-nasal surgery or by people who have glaucoma.

This remedy should also not be used by people who are allergic to naphazoline or any other component of the solution, or allergic to sympathomimetic medications, such as albuterol or clonidine.

Furthermore, the use of naphazoline is not recommended for people with cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism or an enlarged prostate, or who are being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine, moclobemide or tranylcypromine, unless indicated by the doctor.