AK-Con

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AK-Con

Classes

Ocular Decongestants, Sympathomimetics

Adverse Reactions
Severe

keratitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
ocular hypertension / Delayed / Incidence not known
coma / Early / Incidence not known
bradycardia / Rapid / Incidence not known

Moderate

hypertension / Early / Incidence not known
blurred vision / Early / Incidence not known
hyperglycemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
respiratory depression / Rapid / Incidence not known
hypotension / Rapid / Incidence not known
sinus tachycardia / Rapid / Incidence not known

Mild

mydriasis / Early / Incidence not known
lacrimation / Early / Incidence not known
ocular irritation / Rapid / Incidence not known
hyperhidrosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
drowsiness / Early / Incidence not known
weakness / Early / Incidence not known
headache / Early / Incidence not known
dizziness / Early / Incidence not known
nausea / Early / Incidence not known
lethargy / Early / Incidence not known
vomiting / Early / Incidence not known
hypothermia / Delayed / Incidence not known

Common Brand Names

AK-Con, Albalon, All Clear, Napha Forte, Naphcon Forte, Ocu-Zoline

Dea Class

Rx, OTC

Description

Ophthalmic vasoconstrictor used for redness and lubrication

Dosage And Indications
For use as a topical ocular vasoconstrictor in the treatment of conjunctival hyperemia. Ophthalmic dosage Adults

Instill 1—2 drops in the conjunctival sac(s) every 3—4 hours as needed.

Dosing Considerations
Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustments are needed.

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustments are needed.

Drug Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Naphazoline products.

How Supplied

AK-Con/Albalon/Napha Forte/Naphazoline Hydrochloride/Naphcon Forte/Ocu-Zoline Ophthalmic Sol: 0.1%

Maximum Dosage
Adults

16 drops/day in each eye

Geriatric

16 drops/day in each eye

Adolescents

Safety and efficacy not established.

Children

Safety and efficacy not established.

Mechanism Of Action

Naphazoline stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva. Ophthalmic administration causes vasoconstriction of conjunctival blood vessels thereby decreasing conjunctival congestion. When applied topically to mucous membranes, the drug causes vasoconstriction that shrinks the mucus membranes, promotes drainage, and improves ventilation.

Pharmacokinetics

Naphazoline is administered ophthalmically.

Other Route(s)

Ophthalmic Route
After ophthalmic administration of naphazoline, local vasoconstriction usually occurs within 10 minutes and may persist for 2—6 hours.

Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy

Naphazoline is classified as FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if the drug can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Limited data have not demonstrated a clinically significant effect on the fetus during first trimester exposure of naphazoline; however, other sympathomimetic drugs have been associated with minor malformations, inguinal hernia, and clubfoot. According to the manufacturer, naphazoline should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

According to the manufacturer, it is not known whether naphazoline is excreted in human milk. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally ingested drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.