Nasal spray, solution - 1 mg/ml

Nafazoline contains the active substance naphazoline nitrate, which is an agonist of the α-adrenergic receptors. It primarily promotes α₂-receptors and in a lesser extent α₁-receptors. Hereby, it causes the narrowing of the arterioles and of the precapillar sphincters, thereby reducing blood flow in the nasal mucosa and in the erected sinusoids. Because of the narrowing of the arterioles of the erected sinusoids, the congestion of the mucous membrane of the nose and the nasal resistance is reduced, while air flow through the nose is increased. As a result of the reduction of the amount of blood in the nasal mucous membrane, the diameter of the neck of the paranasal sinuses is increased (the ability to dry up is improved). Mucous membranes become less edematous and so the nasal congestion sensation in the patient is less pronounced.

Nafazoline used locally (in the nasal mucosa) is rapidly absorbed; the onset of action occurs within 5 minutes, while the effect lasts 2 to 6 hours.

Nafazoline is used in the symptomatic treatment of all forms of rhinitis and sinusitis; inflammations of the middle ear (decongestion of the Eustachian tubes); nasal haemorrhage (epistaxis); preparation for rhinological examinations and surgical interventions (in addition to local anesthetics).