Oxymetazoline

What is Oxymetazoline?

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a decongestant and vasoconstrictor used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure.
• Oxymetazoline Topical (Rhofade) used on the skin (topical) to treat facial redness due to rosacea that does not go away (persistent) in adults.

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Oxymetazoline

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Oxymetazoline molecule ball

Oxymetazoline

What are the uses of this medicine?

Oxymetazoline (Afrin) used for temporary relief of nasal congestion due to:

• common cold
• hay fever
• upper respiratory allergies
• helps clear nasal passages
• shrinks swollen membranes
• temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure

How does this medicine work?

• Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of oxymetazoline, an imidazole derivative with a direct acting sympathomimetic property.
• Oxymetazoline binds to and activates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
• Upon nasal or ocular administration, oxymetazoline constricts the arterioles in the nose and eye, resulting in decreased nasal and conjunctival congestion, respectively.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?

• This medicine have no usage limitations.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks:

• isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• phenelzine (Nardil)
• selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Is this medicine FDA approved?

Initial U.S. Approval: 1964

• The oxymetazoline brand Afrin was first sold as a prescription medication in 1966. After finding substantial early success as a prescription medication, it became available as an over-the-counter drug in 1975.
• In the United States, oxymetazoline 1% cream is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for topical treatment of persistent facial erythema (redness) associated with rosacea in adults
• In July 2020, oxymetazoline received approval by the FDA for the treatment of acquired drooping eyelid.

How should this medicine be used?

Recommended dosage: adults and children 6-12 years of age (with adult supervision):

• Pump 2 or 3 times in each nostril without tilting your head.

Administration:

• Oxymetazoline comes as a solution (liquid) to spray into the nose.
• Oxymetazoline nasal spray is only for use in the nose.
• Do not swallow the medication.
• Remove cap and safety clip.
• Hold with thumb at bottom of bottle and nozzle between fingers.
• Before using the first time, prime pump by depressing several times.
• Pump 2 or 3 times in each nostril without tilting your head. Sniff deeply. Wipe nozzle clean after use.
• Do not use more often than once every 10 to 12 hours.
• Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24 hour period.
• If you use oxymetazoline nasal spray for more often or for longer than the recommended period of time, your congestion may get worse or may improve but come back.
• Do not use oxymetazoline nasal spray for longer than 3 days.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

• As Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.05% nasal spray

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

• Afrin Nasal Spray
• Anefrin Nasal Spray
• Dristan Nasal Spray
• Mucinex Nasal Spray
• Nostrilla Nasal Spray
• Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray
• Zicam Nasal Spray

What side effects can this medication cause?

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

• Rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa
• burning
• stinging
• increased nasal discharge
• dryness inside the nose
• sneezing
• nervousness
• nausea
• dizziness
• headache
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

What special precautions should I follow?

• Do not use more than directed
• Do not use for more than 3 days.
• Use only as directed.
• Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen
• temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing or an increase in nasal discharge may result.
• use of this container by more than one person may spread infection
• Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist.
• Keep out of reach of children, If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid or heart disease.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
• In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

• The Food and Drug Administration places oxymetazoline in category C, indicating risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out.

Can this medicine be used in children?

• Safety and effectiveness of Oxymetazoline nasal spray in pediatric patients below 6 years of age have not been established.

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?

Active ingredients:

• Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients:

• aloe barbadensis gel, d-alpha-tocopherol-ester, disodium EDTA, disodium phosphate, ethylene & propylene oxide copolymer, eucalyptol, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxylated lecithin, menthol, monosodium phosphate, potassium sorbate, purified water.

Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?

Distributed by:

• CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
• One CVS Drive
• Woonsocket, RI

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• store at 20-25°C (68-77°F).

• Dailymed label info on Oxymetazoline
• FDA Oxymetazoline

Oxymetazoline Resources
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