naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled at a glance
Medicine class
Sympathomimetic ocular decongestant with an astringent.
Usual use
Temporary relief of redness caused by minor eye irritation.
Route
For use in the eyes only.
Contact lenses
Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before replacing them.
Age restriction
Not licensed for children younger than 12 years.
What is naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Temporary relief of eye redness due to minor eye irritation.
How does naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled work?
Naphazoline stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, narrowing small blood vessels on the eye surface and reducing visible redness. Distilled witch hazel has a mild astringent action.
How to take naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled
Use only in the eye. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and apply the drops without letting the nozzle touch the eye, eyelid or lashes. Replace the cap promptly and do not share the bottle. Remove soft contact lenses first; do not replace them for at least 15 minutes. Do not use solution that is cloudy or discoloured, and avoid driving until any blurred vision clears.
Discard the bottle 28 days after opening.
Store below 25°C and do not freeze.
naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effects are classified as common in the SmPC. Effects reported with unknown frequency include eye irritation or pain, headache, dizziness and nausea.
- Continued or excessive use can worsen redness or cause rebound redness.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using the drops and seek medical advice for a suspected hypersensitivity reaction.
- Urgent assessment is needed for severe eye pain, marked redness or changes in vision.
naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. The SmPC considers harmful fetal exposure unlikely after ocular use, but anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using the product.
naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled while breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established. Exposure of a breastfed infant is considered unlikely after ocular use, but a doctor or pharmacist should confirm suitability before use.
naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled interactions
Check other medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber before use, particularly the following:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Concurrent use, or use within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, is contraindicated because systemic sympathomimetic effects may be enhanced.
Antihypertensive medicines
Naphazoline may reduce their blood-pressure-lowering effect.
Cardiac glycosides, quinidine or tricyclic antidepressants
Combined use may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
Common questions about naphazoline hydrochloride + witch hazel, distilled
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can this treat every cause of a red eye?
No. It is licensed only for temporary relief of redness caused by minor irritation. Pain, discharge, injury, light sensitivity or vision changes need clinical assessment.
Can it make redness worse?
Yes. Continued or excessive use may cause rebound redness or worsen ocular irritation.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.