Comprehensive medication guide to Naphazoline including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
OTC naphazoline products are generally not covered by insurance. HSA/FSA cards can be used to purchase these products with pre-tax dollars. If a physician writes a prescription, some plans may cover at $0–$15 copay.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$7–$20 OTC retail for a 15mL bottle of naphazoline combination products (Clear Eyes Redness Relief, Naphcon-A). Store-brand equivalents typically cost $5–$10 for the same formulation. No prescription required.
Medfinder Findability Score
88/100
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Naphazoline is a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor used in over-the-counter eye drops and nasal decongestants. It acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in blood vessel walls to produce rapid vasoconstriction, reducing the visible redness of the eyes and swelling in the nasal passages. First patented in 1934 and entering clinical use in 1942, it is one of the oldest compounds in OTC eye care.
Standalone naphazoline was discontinued by its US manufacturers as a business decision — not due to safety concerns. It remains widely available as an active ingredient in combination products including Clear Eyes Redness Relief (naphazoline/glycerin), Naphcon-A (naphazoline/pheniramine), Visine-A, Opcon-A, and Clear Eyes ACR. These products are available OTC at pharmacies nationwide.
Naphazoline is available in ophthalmic concentrations of 0.012%, 0.025%, 0.027%, and 0.1%, and as 0.05% nasal drops. It is not a controlled substance and does not require a prescription for standard OTC formulations.
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Naphazoline is a mixed alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. When applied topically to the conjunctiva or nasal mucosa, it binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessel walls. This binding triggers intracellular signaling cascades that cause the smooth muscle to contract, narrowing the blood vessel (vasoconstriction).
In the eye, this vasoconstriction reduces blood flow through the conjunctival vessels, making the white of the eye appear less red — typically within 10–15 minutes of application. In the nose, it reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa, opening congested passages. The effect lasts approximately 3–6 hours depending on the concentration used.
Naphazoline does not treat the underlying cause of redness — it provides cosmetic symptom relief only. It has no antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial properties. Overuse beyond 72 hours can cause tachyphylaxis and rebound hyperemia (conjunctivitis medicamentosa), where eyes become redder when the drug is stopped.
0.012% — ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
Most common OTC concentration; with glycerin as lubricant (Clear Eyes Redness Relief)
0.025%–0.027% — ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
OTC concentration in combination with pheniramine antihistamine (Naphcon-A, Visine-A)
0.05% — nasal drops
OTC nasal decongestant; for adults and children 12+ only
0.1% — ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
Higher-strength formulation; may require prescription depending on product
Naphazoline combination products are generally widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers across the United States. There is no active FDA drug shortage for naphazoline products as of 2026. The findability score for naphazoline is 88 out of 100 — reflecting strong widespread availability with only occasional localized stock gaps for specific formulations.
The primary challenge patients face is searching for "naphazoline" generically when it is only available in combination products under brand names. Patients who know to look for Clear Eyes, Naphcon-A, Visine-A, or Opcon-A will find these products readily available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and most grocery store pharmacies.
If you are looking for a specific naphazoline formulation and your local pharmacy is out of stock, medfinder can call pharmacies in your area to find which ones have your product in stock and text you the results.
Naphazoline combination products are OTC and do not require a prescription for standard formulations. No DEA scheduling requirements apply. Higher-strength formulations (0.1%) may require a prescription depending on the specific product.
If a prescription is needed (e.g., for insurance coverage, higher-strength formulation, or physician recommendation), any of the following can prescribe:
Ophthalmologists — eye specialists; manage complex eye conditions
Optometrists (OD) — can diagnose and treat eye conditions and prescribe in most states
Primary care physicians (MD/DO) — can recommend OTC products and prescribe ophthalmic drops
Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) — prescribe in most states
Telehealth options are available for eye care concerns in 2026. Platforms including Teladoc, MDLive, Amazon Clinic, and 1-800-Contacts offer same-day virtual consultations and can recommend OTC products or prescribe alternatives without an in-person visit.
No. Naphazoline is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It is available over the counter without a prescription for standard formulations. There are no refill restrictions, no quantity limits tied to scheduling, and no special prescribing requirements.
While naphazoline products are occasionally misused to mask eye redness (e.g., to hide intoxication), the drug is not addictive in the pharmacological sense and has no recognized abuse potential that warrants DEA scheduling. Patients can purchase naphazoline combination products freely at any pharmacy.
Most users experience only mild, temporary side effects:
Stinging or burning upon application (brief, usually fades within seconds)
Temporary blurred vision (clears within minutes)
Pupil dilation (mydriasis) — usually minor at OTC concentrations
Mild eye irritation or gritty sensation
Rebound redness (conjunctivitis medicamentosa) with use beyond 72 hours
Serious side effects (seek medical attention):
Severe eye pain or sudden vision changes — stop use immediately
Elevated blood pressure, chest pain, or palpitations (systemic absorption)
Acute angle-closure glaucoma (in susceptible patients with narrow angles)
Accidental ingestion in children — potentially life-threatening (call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222)
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Brimonidine (Lumify)
Selective alpha-2 agonist; OTC redness reliever with lower rebound risk than naphazoline; works within minutes; lasts up to 8 hours
Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor)
OTC antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer; best for allergy-related itching and redness; no rebound risk; twice daily dosing
Olopatadine (Pataday)
OTC and Rx dual-action antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer; preferred for allergic conjunctivitis; once daily; superior efficacy over naphazoline/pheniramine in allergy trials
Tetrahydrozoline (Visine Original)
Similar vasoconstrictor mechanism to naphazoline; OTC; carries similar rebound redness risk with overuse; not for allergies
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MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
majorMajor interaction — risk of severe hypertensive crisis. Do not use naphazoline within 14 days of MAOI therapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, maprotiline)
moderateMay potentiate pressor effect of naphazoline; use with caution in patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Inhaled anesthetics (cyclopropane, halothane)
moderateMay sensitize myocardium to sympathomimetics; inform surgical team if using naphazoline products pre-operatively.
Phenylephrine ophthalmic / systemic decongestants
minorAdditive sympathomimetic effects; monitor for cardiovascular symptoms with concurrent use.
Naphazoline has been a trusted ingredient in eye care for over 80 years — and despite the discontinuation of standalone products, it remains widely available and accessible in combination formulations. For occasional, short-term relief of minor eye redness, naphazoline products like Clear Eyes Redness Relief and Naphcon-A are effective, affordable, and easy to obtain without a prescription.
The key rules to remember: use naphazoline for no more than 72 hours per episode, do not use it for allergy symptoms alone (choose olopatadine or ketotifen instead), keep it out of reach of children, and do not use it if you take MAO inhibitors. For persistent redness, always consult an eye care provider.
If you're having trouble locating a specific naphazoline product at a pharmacy near you, medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf to find which ones have your medication in stock and texts you the results — saving you time and frustration.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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