Last update Jan. 15, 2020

Naphazoline

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

A sympathomimetic with alpha-adrenergic activity. It has a vasoconstrictor effect that reduces mucosal swelling and congestion.
Topical nasal use (single dose) or ophthalmological (2-4 times a day).

Since the last update we have not found published data in relation to breastfeeding.

The small dose and the low plasma absorption of most topical nasal or ophthalmological preparations make transfer into breastmilk in significant amounts unlikely.

Do not exceed the recommended dose and time periods in order to avoid undesirable side effects and the possible decrease in milk cited by some authors (Nice 2000) for other similar drugs, although not proven in practice.

It is a product which has very little literature and almost none related to pharmacokinetics.
As a nasal decongestant, it is discouraged by some authors (Nice 2000), with better known drugs from the same group being preferred (Anderson 2000).

Ophthalmic administration is fully compatible with breastfeeding. Absorption can be minimized by pressing on the tear duct (medial canthus of the eye) with your finger for 1 minute.

Accidental oral intake of naphazoline is very dangerous in children, and can cause neurological and cardiovascular disorders, and coma (Diaz 2018, Paricio 1993).

Some authors consider decongestant drugs administered orally and nasally to be non-essential medications, to be avoided in general, not only during breastfeeding, since they expose patients to serious risks (cardiovascular, neurological and intestinal) for the treatment of benign disorders such as nasal obstruction, which usually evolves favourably in a few days without medication (Prescrire 2018).

Alternatives

  • Azelastine (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Budesonide (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Fluticasone (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Mometasone Furoate (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Phenylephrine (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Naphazoline is also known as


Naphazoline in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Naphazoline in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Molecular weight 247 daltons
4 - 12 hours

References

  1. Díaz M, Granson E, Taiman J, Alava J, Gabrielli T, Mendoza L. [Severe poisoning with naphazoline: update from a therapeutic error]. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2018 Aug 1;116(4):e626-e629. Abstract
  2. Redaction Prescrire. Pour mieux soigner, des médicaments à écarter : bilan 2018. Prescrire.org. 2018 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. AEMPS. Antazolina-Nafazolina. Ficha técnica. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Anderson PO. Decongestants and milk production. J Hum Lact. 2000 Abstract
  5. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000 Nov;16(4):319-31. Review. Erratum in: J Hum Lact 2001 Feb;17(1):90. Abstract
  6. Paricio JM, Benlloch MJ, Llobat T, Santos L, Grieco M, Martín J, Soler E, Cuenca A. Intoxicación por tetraborato de sodio y nafazolina (euboral oftálmico). A propósito de un caso. Rev Esp Pediatr 1993;49:281–282. Full text (in our servers)

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