Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

NAPHAZOLINE NITRATE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A sympathomimetic agent with marked alpha- adrenergic activity. Principle use is as a
vaso- constrictor which reduces swelling and congestion in mucous membranes. Used in the
form of nasal drops (0.5% aqueous solutions) for symptomatic relief of rhinitis and
sinusitis. A 0.1% solution has been instilled into the eye as a conjunctival decongestant.
Intermediate

SYNONYMS

C14-H14-N2.HNO3, "4, 5-dihydro-2-(1-naphthalenylmethyl-1H-imidazole mononitrate", "4, 5-
dihydro-2-(1-naphthalenylmethyl-1H-imidazole mononitrate", "2-(1-naphthylmethyl)-2-
imidazoline mononitrate", "2-(1-naphthylmethyl)-2-imidazoline mononitrate", "2-(1-
naphthylmethyl)imidazoline mononitrate", "2-(1-naphthylmethyl)imidazoline mononitrate",
Naphthisen, Naphthizen, Naphtyzin, Privine, "Privine nitrate", Rinazin, "adrenergic/
sympathomimetic"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful if swallowed.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Sympathomimetics, which mimic stimulation of the sympathetic nerves, causing a stimulatory effect on the heart and central nervous system, constriction of blood vessels supplying the skin and mucous membranes, dilation of blood vessels supplying muscles of movement, and widening of the airways. These drugs may act on the receptor or the release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline. Central nervous effects include fear (feeling of "impending disaster"), anxiety, restlessness, tremor, sleep disturbance, confusion, irritability, weakness and hallucinations. There can be nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, problems with urination, shortness of breath, disturbance in glucose levels and acid-base balance, sweating, excess saliva production and headache. Cardiovascular effects include changes in heart rate, irregularities in heart rhythm, low blood pressure with dizziness, fainting and flushing, or high blood pressure. Aerosols may cause death due to irregularities in the rhythm of the ventricles (two of the four chambers of the heart). Inhaling the material may cause death of heart tissue and heart attack.  Stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors causes blood vessels to dilate, sometimes to the extent that gangrene occurs in the fingers and toes, and there is increased blood pressure. This can also cause swelling of the lungs and bleeding in the brain. The heart rate may be slowed. Two classes of receptors (alpha-1 and alpha-2) are thought to be responsible for mediating these effects. The former are thought to be responsible for causing the constriction of blood vessels when sympathomimetics are given; the latter for reduction of bowel activity when alpha-adrenergic agonists are given.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  Skin contact is not thought to produce harmful health effects (as classified using animal models). Systemic harm, however, has been identified following exposure of animals by at least one other route and the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  Inhalation exposure may cause susceptible individuals to show change in heart beat rhythm i.e. cardiac arrhythmia. Exposures must be terminated.  Sympathomimetics, which mimic stimulation of the sympathetic nerves, causing a stimulatory effect on the heart and central nervous system, constriction of blood vessels supplying the skin and mucous membranes, dilation of blood vessels supplying muscles of movement, and widening of the airways. These drugs may act on the receptor or the release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline. Central nervous effects include fear (feeling of "impending disaster"), anxiety, restlessness, tremor, sleep disturbance, confusion, irritability, weakness and hallucinations. There can be nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, problems with urination, shortness of breath, disturbance in glucose levels and acid-base balance, sweating, excess saliva production and headache. Cardiovascular effects include changes in heart rate, irregularities in heart rhythm, low blood pressure with dizziness, fainting and flushing, or high blood pressure. Aerosols may cause death due to irregularities in the rhythm of the ventricles (two of the four chambers of the heart). Inhaling the material may cause death of heart tissue and heart attack.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.