ABSTRACT
Naphazoline is an imidazole derivative and a direct-acting sympathomimetic amine with vasoconstrictive properties. Upon ocular administration, it acts on a-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva to produce vasoconstriction, resulting in decreased conjunctival congestion and diminished itching, irritation and redness. It has similar effect when applied to the nasal mucosa. Naphazoline is indicated for use as over-the-counter eye drops for ocular vasoconstriction and as a nasal preparation for nasal congestion. An 89-year-old man presented with pruritic lesions over his left knee with linear extension down onto the lower leg, where a wound had been treated with povidone iodine for 18 days and an antiseptic for 2 days. Several years previously, he had developed eczema following the repeated use of an over-the-counter antiseptic. A patch test to the product was positive. In a second session, the patient reacted to dibucaine HCl 1% pet., naphazoline HCl 1% pet. and chlorpheniramine maleate 1% pet.
