Clear Eyes ACR
Generic Name: naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic (na FAZ oh leen and zink)
Brand Names: Clear Eyes ACR, VasoClear A
What is Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic)?
Naphazoline causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also decreases itching and
irritation of the eyes.
Zinc is used as an astringent to gently clear proteins and mucous from the outer surface of
the eye.
Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic is used to relieve redness, burning, irritation, and
dryness of the eye caused by wind, sun, smoke, smog, and other minor irritants.
Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic)?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline and zinc. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline and zinc
may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact
lenses.
Do not use naphazoline and zinc more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72
hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to
worsen.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic)?
Do not use naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic if you have glaucoma, except under the
supervision of your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
-
have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure;
-
take any medicines to treat a heart condition;
-
have asthma;
-
have diabetes; or
-
have thyroid problems.
You may not be able to use naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline and zinc. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline and zinc
may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact
lenses.
Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not
use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not
use naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I use Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic)?
Use naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow
the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your
doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using the eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline and zinc. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline and zinc
may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact
lenses.
To apply the eye drops:
Do not use naphazoline and zinc more often or continuously for
longer than 48 to 72 hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage
the blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve
or appear to worsen.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be harmful. If you do suspect an overdose, or if
the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control center
for advice.
What should I avoid while using Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic)?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic.
Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Naphazoline
and zinc ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause
discoloration of contact lenses.
Do not use naphazoline and zinc more often or continuously for longer than 48 to 72
hours without consulting a doctor. Chronic use of this medication may damage the blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in the eyes. Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or appear to
worsen.
Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using naphazoline and zinc
ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
-
an irregular or fast heart rate; or
-
high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or
flushed skin).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic and talk to your doctor when it is convenient if you experience
-
burning, stinging, pain, or increased redness of the eye;
-
tearing or blurred vision;
-
headache;
-
tremor;
-
nausea;
-
sweating;
-
nervousness;
-
dizziness; or
-
drowsiness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Clear Eyes ACR (naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic)?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with naphazoline and zinc except under
the direction of your doctor.
Although drug interactions between naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic and drugs taken by
mouth are not expected, they can occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines:
-
a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil); or
-
a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol
(Lopressor, Toprol XL), or labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate).
You may not be able to use naphazoline and zinc, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic written
for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Naphazoline and zinc ophthalmic is available over-the-counter under the brand names Clear
Eyes ACF and Vasoclear A in a 0.25% naphazoline strength. Other brand or generic formulations of
this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is unfamiliar to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date,
and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has
been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses
outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs,
diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum'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. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:05:02 PM.
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