Opcon-A

Generic name: Naphazoline And Pheniramine Ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Usage of Opcon-A

Naphazoline is a vasoconstrictor. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the eyes to reduce eye redness.

Pheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itchy or watery eyes.

Opcon-A (for the eyes) is for temporary relief of minor eye redness or itching caused by ragweed, pollen, grass, or animal dander and hair.

Opcon-A may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Opcon-A side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Opcon-A may cause serious side effects. Stop using Opcon-A and call your doctor at once if you have:

ongoing or worsening eye redness;

eye pain; or

changes in your vision.

Common side effects of Opcon-A may include:

mild burning or stinging of the eye;

dilated pupils, blurred vision; or

eyes being more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Opcon-A

You should not use Opcon-A if you are allergic to naphazoline or pheniramine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

heart disease, high blood pressure;

urination problems; or

narrow-angle glaucoma.

It is not known whether Opcon-A will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether naphazoline and pheniramine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Opcon-A should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old without a doctor's advice.

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How to use Opcon-A

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using the medicine too long or too often may worsen your symptoms and cause damage to blood vessels in your eyes.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

Close your eye and gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Use only the number of drops recommended.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away the eye drops after the expiration date on the medicine label has passed.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Opcon-A

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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