oxymetazoline intranasal

Oxymetazoline intranasal is a nasal spray medication used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion caused by common cold, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, and sinus congestion and pressure.

Oxymetazoline intranasal is a solution available over the counter (OTC), and is sprayed as a fine mist into the nostrils. Oxymetazoline intranasal is also used off-label topically in the nostrils to reduce blood flow during nasal procedures.

Oxymetazoline intranasal relieves nasal and sinus congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the mucous membrane (mucosa) of the nasal passage. Oxymetazoline is an alpha agonist drug that works by stimulating the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa. Alpha-adrenergic receptors are protein particles that make the smooth muscles around blood vessels contract when stimulated by norepinephrine. Oxymetazoline intranasal contracts the small blood vessels (arterioles), reducing blood flow in the nasal mucosa and relieving congestion.

• Do not use it if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in oxymetazoline intranasal solution.
• Prolonged and frequent use of oxymetazoline may cause rebound nasal congestion or worsen the condition.
• Oxymetazoline may cause temporary discomfort, including burning, sneezing, stinging, or increased nasal discharge.
• Use with caution in patients with the following conditions:
  • Cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and heart disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Thyroid disease
  • Prostate enlargement and/or genitourinary obstruction
• Some formulations may contain benzyl alcohol which has been associated with fatal toxicity in newborn infants. Avoid using such formulations in young children.
• Some formulations contain polysorbate 80, avoid use if you are hypersensitive to it.
• Some formulations may contain propylene glycol, large amounts of which can be potentially toxic. Use with caution.

Common side effects of oxymetazoline intranasal include:

• Nasal dryness
• Nasal irritation
• Burning
• Stinging
• Rebound nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Increased nasal discharge
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Insomnia

Serious side effects of oxymetazoline intranasal include:

• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult:

Intranasal Solution

• 0.05%

Nasal Congestion

• Indicated for temporary relief of nasal congestion
• 2-3 drops/sprays per nostril every 12 hours
• Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hours for 3-5 days

Pediatric:

Intranasal Solution

• 0.05% (Afrin No Drip Extra Moisturizing Stuffy Nose Pump Mist; Mucinex Sinus-Max Clear & Cool; Mucinex Childrens Stuffy Nose)
• 0.025% (Afrin Extra Moisturizing Stuffy Nose Pump Mist)

Nasal Congestion

Indicated for temporary relief of nasal congestion

Children below 2 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

Children 2-5 years

• 0.025%: 2-3 sprays per nostril every 10-12 hours
• Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hours for up to 3 days

Children 6 years and above

• 0.05%: 2-3 drops/sprays per nostril every 10-12 hours
• Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hours for up to 3 days

Overdose

• Intranasal overdose or excessive use of oxymetazoline can cause rebound nasal congestion, nasal irritation, and systemic effects, particularly in children, which may include respiratory depression, bradycardia, and low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Overdose from oral ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, lethargy, decreased respiration, tachycardia, bradycardia, low or high blood pressure (hypotension or hypertension), sedation, drowsiness (somnolence), pupil dilation (mydriasis), stupor, low body temperature (hypothermia), drooling, and coma.
• Overdose of oxymetazoline intranasal is treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

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

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Use oxymetazoline intranasal with caution for occasional relief from nasal congestion during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Excessive use in the first trimester has been associated with adverse fetal effects.
• It is not known if oxymetazoline intranasal is present in breast milk. Use with caution in nursing mothers.
• Do not use any OTC drugs including oxymetazoline intranasal without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use oxymetazoline intranasal exactly as prescribed or as per label directions.
• Do not exceed recommended dosages.
• Do not share your spray dispenser with others, it can spread the infection.
• If self-medicating with OTC oxymetazoline intranasal, do not use for longer than 3 days. Stop use and consult with a physician if the condition persists or worsens.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.