Oxymetazoline is a drug decongestantwhich is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, sinusitis, and allergies. This drug is available in the form of drops or nasal spray.
Oxymetazoline works by shrinking blood vessels, thereby reducing swelling and blockages. Enlarged blood vessels can cause nasal congestion and redness of the skin.
Oxymetazoline trademarks: Afrin, Iliadin
What is Oxymetazoline
| group | Decongestants |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves stuffy nose |
| Used by | Adults and children over 6 years old |
| Oxymetazoline for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether oxymetazoline is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Shape | Nasal spray and nasal drops |
Warnings Before Using Oxymetazoline
Oxymetazoline should not be used carelessly. Follow the advice given by your doctor while undergoing treatment with oxymetazoline. In addition, there are several things that must be considered before using oxymetazoline, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Oxymetazoline should not be used by people who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from hypertension, diabetes, enlarged prostate gland, heart disease, or thyroid disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking oxymetazoline before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Consult your doctor first if you want to use oxymetazoline in children aged 6 years.
- If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after using oxymetazoline, see a doctor immediately.
Oxymetazoline Dosage and Rules
The dose of oxymetazoline can be different for each patient. Follow the instructions for use that have been given by your doctor and always read the instructions on the packaging label.
To treat nasal congestion in adults and children over 6 years, apply 2-3 drops or spray of the medicine in each nostril every 10-12 hours. Do not use the drug more than 2 times in a 24 hour period.
Although more often found in the form of drops or nasal spray. Oxymetazoline is also available in cream form which is used to treat facial redness caused by rosacea.
How to Use Oxymetazoline Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the oxymetazoline package before starting to use it. This medicine is to be used in the nose and not to be taken by mouth.
If you are taking oxymetazoline in the eye drops, gently clear your nose and tilt your head back while standing, sitting or lying in bed. Put the medicine in each nostril and let the head tilt back for a few minutes to allow the medicine to spread throughout the nose.
Rinse the used pipette with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap after use.
If you are using the spray form of oxymetazoline, gently clear your nose and keep your head upright. Insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril with your finger. Inhale quickly and gently spray the medication into your nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril if necessary.
Rinse the spray tip with hot water or wipe with a clean tissue after use. Make sure water doesn't get into the bottle. Replace the cap after use.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or persists after 3 days. Do not use oxymetazoline for more than 3 days without a doctor's advice.
If you forget to use oxymetazoline, use it immediately as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store oxymetazoline in a place away from direct sunlight, humidity, or heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Oxymetazoline Interactions with Other Drugs
Oxymetazoline may cause drug interactions when used with other medicines. The following are some of the interactions between drugs that can occur:
- Hypertensive crisis when used with MAOI drugs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- Increased risk of arrhythmias and hypertension when used with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), appetite suppressants, or psychostimulants, such as amphetamines
- Decreased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs in lowering blood pressure
- Increased risk of developing ergotism when used with ergot alkaloid drugs, such as ergotamine and methysergide
- Damage to the heart and blood vessels when used with antiparkinsonian drugs, such as bromocriptine
- Increased risk of dysrhythmias when used with cardiac glycoside drugs, such as digoxin
Oxymetazoline Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using oxymetazoline are:
- Burning feeling in the nose
- Pain in the nose area
- dry nose
- runny nose
- Sneeze
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Tremor
- Mood swings
- Excessive sweating