Oxymetazoline Intranasal

Oxymetazoline intranasal is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for temporary relief of nasal congestion.

Oxymetazoline intranasal is available under the following different brand names: Afrin, Duramist Plus, Dristan 12 Hr, Cheracol Nasal, Duration, Genasal, QlearQuil 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Moisturizing Spray, Sinarest 12 Hour, and Vicks Sinex 12 Hour.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Intranasal Solution

• 0.05%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Nasal Congestion

• Indicated for temporary relief of nasal congestion
• Adults and children 6 years and older: 2-3 drops/sprays per nostril every 12 hours
• Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hours for 3-5 days
• Children under 6 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Side effects of oxymetazoline intranasal include:

• Insomnia
• Headache
• Burning
• Stinging
• Dryness
• Sneezing
• Rebound congestion

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Oxymetazoline intranasal has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
   
• Serious interactions of oxymetazoline intranasal include:
  • isocarboxazid
  • phenelzine
  • tranylcypromine
• Moderate interactions of oxymetazoline intranasal include:
  • amitriptyline
  • amoxapine
  • azelastine
  • clomipramine
  • cromolyn sodium, intranasal
  • desipramine
  • doxepin
  • imipramine
  • ipratropium intranasal
  • nadolol
  • nortriptyline
  • olopatadine intranasal
  • penbutolol
  • propranolol
  • protriptyline
  • safinamide
  • sotalol
  • timolol
  • trimipramine
• Oxymetazoline intranasal has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.
   

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings
 

This medication contains oxymetazoline intranasal. Do not take Afrin, Duramist Plus, Dristan 12 Hr, Cheracol Nasal, Duration, Genasal, QlearQuil 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Moisturizing Spray, Sinarest 12 Hour, or Vicks Sinex 12 Hour if you are allergic to oxymetazoline intranasal or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Oxymetazoline Intranasal?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Oxymetazoline Intranasal?”

Cautions

• May cause temporary discomfort, including burning, sneezing, singing, or increased nasal discharge
• Prolonged or frequent use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen
• Use caution in patients with hypertension or heart disease
• Use caution in patients with diabetes mellitus
• Use caution in patients with thyroid disease
• Use caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or genitourinary obstruction

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use oxymetazoline intranasal with caution during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.

It is not known if oxymetazoline intranasal is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.