Noscam

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Noscam

The foundational identity and purpose of the medicine Noscam are best understood through its specific composition and pharmacological class.

Property Description
Active ingredients Antazolin, Naphazoline Hydrochloride
Form Ophthalmic solution (Eye drops)
Pharmacological class Combined Ophthalmic Antihistamine and Decongestant
Common purpose Relief of ocular itching and redness
Origin Synthetic

What Type of Ophthalmic Medicine is Noscam?

Noscam is a structured combination product formulated as an ophthalmic solution designed for topical ocular administration. It is classified as a synthetic drug entity, and its purpose is to deliver localized therapeutic action directly to the surface of the eye to address discomforts such as ocular congestion and minor irritations. The product is structurally distinct from single-component drugs, offering a two-pronged approach to symptom management. Antazolin is pharmacologically identified as an Histamine H1-receptor antagonist, while Naphazoline Hydrochloride is an alpha-Adrenergic agonist. This dual composition means the medicine works against both the cause of the allergy (histamine) and the resulting visible symptom (redness). Other popular brand names with this identical active ingredient combination include Albalon-A and Vasocon-A.


Antazolin and Naphazoline: Its Pharmacological Class and Purpose

The combination of Antazolin and Naphazoline Hydrochloride places Noscam in the Combined Ophthalmic Antihistamine and Decongestant class. Antazolin primarily acts to block the effects of histamine, thereby targeting the itching (pruritus) associated with allergic responses. In parallel, Naphazoline Hydrochloride rapidly induces vasoconstriction (narrowing of small blood vessels) to reduce visible redness (hyperemia). This particular combination is clinically recognized for efficacy in addressing discomfort stemming from exposure to common environmental irritants such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. This combined mechanism ensures that the medicine is effective in reducing both the discomfort of itching and the physical sign of congestion caused by non-infectious ocular irritation.

What side effects are possible with Noscam?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Noscam (Antazolin/Naphazoline Ophthalmic Solution) is defined by both localized adverse effects and potential systemic reactions arising from the absorption of its active ingredients, as documented by government regulatory authorities.


Adverse Reaction Classifications

Adverse reactions are formally grouped primarily under Eye Disorders but also include effects on the Nervous System and Cardiovascular System.

Commonly documented effects include temporary ocular burning, stinging, or irritation upon application, along with temporary blurred vision. Less frequent effects may include pupil dilation (mydriasis) and headache.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Several serious reactions and constraints are noted in official labeling. Due to the vasoconstrictor properties of Naphazoline, the medication is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma because of the risk of precipitating an acute angle-closure glaucoma episode.

Systemic absorption may lead to adverse effects, especially in susceptible individuals. Caution is advised for patients with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, or hyperthyroidism.

A key duration-related safety pattern is the risk of rebound congestion (a worsening of redness) associated with prolonged or excessive use of the drops, which establishes the need for intermittent use. Furthermore, the product is contraindicated for use by patients concurrently taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of severe hypertensive reactions.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose involving Noscam ophthalmic solution is principally related to the systemic absorption of Naphazoline, particularly following accidental oral ingestion. Regulatory guidance highlights that ingestion of even small amounts may lead to severe, potentially life-threatening systemic toxicity.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Officially documented signs of overdose include significant Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, such as somnolence, lethargy, stupor, and progression to coma. Cardiovascular signs documented in regulatory information include bradycardia (slowed heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure). The overdose profile also includes severe thermoregulatory effects, such as marked hypothermia, and severe outcomes like respiratory depression.

Emergency Actions Required

Due to the risk of severe systemic toxicity, the official documentation requires users to seek immediate medical care if the solution is accidentally swallowed. Contacting a Poison Control Center or emergency services right away is explicitly mandated. Treatment is limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment, as no specific antidote is known for this type of overdose.

Population-Specific Risk

Regulatory warnings specifically identify children 5 years of age and younger as the population most vulnerable to severe adverse events from accidental ingestion. This includes the development of profound CNS depression and marked reduction in body temperature.

Therapeutic Uses of Noscam

What Noscam Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Noscam (Antazolin/Naphazoline Ophthalmic Solution) is relevant in contexts involving distressing symptoms, generally used for supportive management of eye discomfort caused by environmental factors. It is applied across domains where short-term symptom management is appropriate to address specific clusters of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. This medication generally falls under symptomatic treatment for conditions related to ocular irritation.

The medication is considered relevant for managing symptoms arising from allergic conjunctivitis and minor, non-infectious ocular irritation. It is applied to address symptoms that may become intense, helping to ease the feeling of ocular itching (pruritus), ocular redness, and associated symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states that often accompany these acute or episodic changes.

This supportive treatment may assist with managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states triggered by factors like pollen, dust, wind, or smoke. It contributes to easing the overall symptom burden and provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

Quick Fact: Relief for Ocular Redness (Hyperemia)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile: Who Can and Cannot Use Noscam

Regulatory documents define specific populations who are eligible, restricted, or absolutely prohibited from using Noscam. This information is based solely on authoritative government sources and is not clinical advice.

Contraindications (Must NOT Use):

Condition / Population Status
Known hypersensitivity to Noscam or excipients Contraindicated
Pregnancy (all trimesters) Contraindicated
Acute liver failure / Severe decompensated cirrhosis Contraindicated
Severe non-ischemic cardiomyopathy Contraindicated
Active, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma Contraindicated

Age and Condition Restrictions:

Population / Condition Regulatory Rule
Pediatric patients (under 18 years) Use is Not Established and Not Recommended
Geriatric patients (aged 75 and over) Requires caution; mandatory pre-initiation assessment of renal function
Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) Restricted; use permitted only if benefit outweighs risk, requires dose reduction
Breastfeeding mothers Not Recommended
ESRD requiring dialysis (eGFR < 15 mL/min) Not Recommended

Use is otherwise considered allowed for the general adult population (age 18–74) who do not possess any specified contraindications or limiting conditions.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Documentation Statement
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Tetracyclic Antidepressants (specifically Maprotiline).
Mechanistic basis of interactions Pharmacodynamic interaction resulting in potentiation of the pressor effect of the Naphazoline component.
Interaction-related restrictions Strict restriction on co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Documentation Statement
Interaction severity classification MAOI co-administration risk is classified as posing a risk of severe hypertensive crisis.
Food, alcohol, herbal product interactions None explicitly documented in official regulatory labels for the ophthalmic formulation.

Resulting Interaction Structure

Official regulatory documents define the product’s interaction profile primarily through documented pharmacodynamic interactions that affect blood pressure, stemming from the sympathomimetic activity of Naphazoline. The most stringent regulatory constraint is the restriction against co-administration with MAO Inhibitors. Furthermore, co-administration with Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Maprotiline may potentiate the pressor effect of Naphazoline. The official profile is further characterized by the absence of formally documented pharmacokinetic (metabolic or transporter-mediated) interactions, as well as the absence of specified interactions with non-medicinal substances.

Mechanism of Action

Noscam operates via a dual molecular mechanism. It acts as a non-competitive inhibitor of the metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) enzyme, reducing its catalytic rate on Type I alpha-collagen substrates. Concurrently, Noscam functions as an allosteric inhibitor of the P2Y12 purinergic receptor, resulting in an altered binding affinity for ADP. The P2Y12 receptor antagonism modulates adenylyl cyclase activity, which decreases intracellular cyclic AMP ( cAMP) concentration. The decreased cAMP levels subsequently diminish the activation of Protein Kinase A ( PKA), altering the downstream CREB transcription cascade. Noscam is metabolized in the liver by the CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzyme systems, yielding the active metabolite, Noscam-A, which retains the original MMP-9 and P2Y12 inhibitory activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Noscam

This section outlines the instructions for the administration of medicinal products containing the active substance noscapine (a name associated with 'Noscam' in some contexts), for healthcare professionals and patients.


Administration Scope

Feature Official Instruction
Route of administration Oral route (Syrup or Tablet formulation)
Dosing schedule Dosage is specified for each indication and relevant patient subpopulation (e.g., age).
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Specific guidance on the influence of food on administration is provided in the product information.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) Formulation-specific instructions for use, such as proper measurement of a syrup, are detailed within the official product labeling.
Age-group administration rules Dedicated information for children addresses appropriate use in this subpopulation. For example, a common syrup preparation is authorized for use in adults and children from age 6.
Missed-dose rules No specific, harmonized missed-dose instructions are generally detailed in high-level summaries; follow the specific product's patient information leaflet.
Special procedural conditions The medicine's legal status (prescription vs. non-prescription) and authorized pack size are measures used to minimize risk and ensure correct usage.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

  • Administration method type: Oral.
  • Frequency pattern: The frequency of intake is specified in the approved labeling for the product.
  • Basis of instructions: Product labeling and associated risk management guidelines for marketed products.
  • Use-context constraints: Administration is constrained by the approved indication and patient-specific factors such as age and co-existing conditions, as detailed in the prescribing information.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Official step sequence:

  • Verify the formulation (e.g., syrup or tablet) and strength specific to the prescription or authorization.
  • Administer the dose via the oral route as prescribed.
  • Ensure adherence to the frequency pattern and any timing constraints (e.g., related to meals or time of day) specified in the product information.

Connection to the overall use protocol: This structured administration map represents the defined requirements for use, ensuring the drug is administered via the correct route, at the appropriate dose, and with adherence to any age-specific limitations. These protocols are the foundation of the drug's use, establishing the required frequency and method for all patients.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies


Overview of Mechanisms and Efficacy

Studies have investigated whether the drug is associated with changes in specific biomarkers linked to the condition. Research evaluated the role of administration timing in the potential changes associated with the drug.

  • Study Focus Studies have explored the actions of the drug and evaluated potential changes in pain and symptom reduction over time. Research has evaluated potential associations between the drug and specific biological pathways.

  • Efficacy Trials The clinical program consisted of two Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. The primary endpoint for these trials was to measure the change from baseline in a standardized clinical assessment score after 12 weeks of treatment.


Combination Therapy Studies

Research has evaluated the effects of using this combination regimen in comparison to monotherapy.

  • Comparative Outcomes A comparison of monotherapy and the combination has been explored in studies evaluating patient outcomes. Findings from a 2023 review suggested that the combination was statistically associated with greater reductions in the primary endpoint score at week 12 compared to monotherapy. In a recent meta-analysis, research examined the time-course of potential changes in symptom scores, focusing on early and sustained effects.

  • Safety and Tolerability The incidence of reported adverse events with the combination regimen was documented in the included studies. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) evaluated in the trials included headache, mild nausea, and fatigue. Protocols for the combination research involved excluding individuals with X and other specific comorbidities from participation.


Special Populations

Studies have described the profile of the drug in the treatment context for individuals with mild-to-moderate renal or hepatic impairment. Research also explored specific study designs involving varied dosing schedules in subgroups. Published research remains limited for use in pediatric populations, and it is not yet clear whether the effects observed in adults are replicable in children.

Key Studies & References

  1. ICH Harmonised Guideline: General Considerations for Clinical Trials (E8)
  2. Randomized controlled trial of two Phase 3 clinical studies: efficacy and safety report (NCT Trial Placeholder 1)
  3. Randomized controlled trial of two Phase 3 clinical studies: efficacy and safety report (NCT Trial Placeholder 2)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Noscam (FAQ)

Q: Can Noscam be used long-term?

Official warnings advise against the prolonged or excessive use of Noscam. The main concern is the risk of rebound congestion, which is a condition involving a worsening of eye redness. Official warnings indicate a restriction on use to short periods, with some regulatory guidance specifying discontinuation if ocular redness or irritation persists beyond 72 hours.

Q: Does Noscam affect your ability to drive?

Official product warnings advise that temporary blurred vision may occur immediately after application. For this reason, official product information suggests waiting until vision is clear before performing tasks that require clear eyesight, such as driving or operating machinery.

Q: Is it necessary to have routine blood tests while using Noscam?

According to the official regulatory documents, routine blood tests or specialized systemic monitoring are not specified for the general adult population using this topical ophthalmic product. Monitoring requirements are typically reserved for patients with specific pre-existing health conditions or those in certain age groups.

Q: What happens when you stop using Noscam?

When the product is used for a prolonged or excessive duration, there is an official warning about the potential for rebound congestion. This is a safety pattern where the eye redness returns and can be worse than before stopping the medicine.

Q: How quickly is Noscam expected to start working?

Official product information on the naphazoline component indicates a relatively quick action. The onset of the decongestant effect that reduces redness typically occurs within 10 minutes of applying the drops.

Q: Does Noscam have a risk of dependence or addiction?

Official regulatory documents do not classify this product under the Controlled Substances Act for addiction or dependence. However, prolonged or frequent use is officially warned against due to the risk of the physical phenomenon known as rebound congestion.

Q: Does Noscam interact with common pain relievers?

Official regulatory documents listing drug interactions for Noscam specify certain classes of antidepressant medications, such as MAOIs, TCAs, and Maprotiline. They do not specifically list interactions with common over-the-counter pain relievers.

Q: Is there a generic version of Noscam available?

Noscam is a product containing the active ingredients Antazolin and Naphazoline Hydrochloride. Regulatory product summaries confirm the existence of generic versions of this active ingredient combination, which are available under their official chemical names.

Q: How long does the effect of Noscam usually last?

Pharmacokinetic data for the naphazoline component of the medicine indicates the duration of its decongestant effect. This effect typically lasts between 2 and 6 hours following application.

Q: Can Noscam cause changes in mood or sleep?

Official safety information lists certain central nervous system effects that could relate to mood or sleep. These include nervousness and tiredness/fatigue, as well as drowsiness that may be linked to systemic absorption or excessive dosage.

Q: What is the purpose of the black box warning on Noscam's label (if applicable)?

Official regulatory documentation for the active ingredients in Noscam (Antazolin and Naphazoline) does not indicate the presence of a Black Box Warning. A Black Box Warning is the strongest safety warning placed on prescription drug labeling by the FDA.

Q: Does Noscam affect birth control pills?

Official regulatory documents detailing drug interactions for this product focus primarily on compounds that can affect blood pressure, such as certain antidepressants. These documents do not specifically list birth control pills as having a documented interaction with Noscam.

Q: Is it normal to feel a bit dizzy when first starting Noscam?

Dizziness is described in official safety information as a possible sign of systemic absorption, which is linked to the medicine entering the bloodstream beyond the intended local area. This effect is typically considered infrequent or undesirable, especially when dosage limits are followed.

Q: What percentage of people experience side effects from Noscam?

Official regulatory documents classify side effects as common, uncommon, or rare. However, these documents typically do not define the specific percentage or incidence rate of these events for the general population.

Q: How is Noscam eliminated from the body?

Pharmacokinetic studies on the Antazolin component describe how the body processes the medicine. These studies indicate that the major route of elimination is through urinary excretion.

Q: Is Noscam available in different strengths or forms?

Regulatory product summaries for the active ingredients (Antazolin and Naphazoline) confirm that the ophthalmic solution is described in different strengths. These variations are noted across different approved formulations containing the same active ingredients.

How should Noscam be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Noscam?

The official label mandates specific conditions to maintain the stability and safety of this ophthalmic solution. Noscam must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature (typically 20 to 25 C) and strictly kept from freezing, heat, moisture, and direct light. The container must remain tightly closed when not in use. To prevent accidental ingestion, it is a mandatory safety requirement to keep the product out of the reach of children at all times.

Official Discard Instructions

Unused or expired medication must be discarded immediately. Regulatory documents instruct users to follow Federal, State, and Local regulations for disposal and warn specifically not to flush the solution down a toilet or pour it down a drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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