Other Brands/Names

Iliadin, Afrin, Inza Nasal.

How It Works

Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that helps shrink enlarged blood vessels in the nose, which are often caused by allergies or infections, thereby relieving nasal congestion.

Indications

Used for treating nasal congestion.

Contraindications

Oxymetazoline should not be used by individuals with coronary heart disease, cardiac asthma, closed-angle glaucoma, inflammation or abnormalities around the nose or nasal lining, or those with a history of nasal surgery.

Side Effects

While side effects are quite rare, some may occur, including a burning sensation, hives, blisters, itching, skin peeling, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation.

Types

Oxymetazoline is available in the following forms:

• Nasal spray

• Nasal drops

Dosage

Adult dosage:

For 0.05% nasal spray:

1-2 sprays in each nostril 2-3 times daily as needed, for a maximum of 5-7 consecutive days, or 2-3 sprays in each nostril 2-3 times daily for 3 days, with a maximum of 2 sprays in 24 hours.

For 0.05% nasal drops:

1-2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times per day, for a maximum of 5-7 consecutive days.

Children dosage:

For 0.01% nasal drops:

• <4 weeks old: 1 drop in each nostril 2-3 times per day, for up to 5-7 consecutive days.

• 5 weeks to 1 year old: 1-2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times per day, for up to 5-7 consecutive days.

For 0.02% nasal drops:

• 1-6 years old: 1-2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times per day, for up to 5-7 consecutive days.

For 0.05% nasal drops:

• >6 years old: Same dose as adults.

For 0.05% nasal spray:

• >12 years old: 1-2 sprays in each nostril 2-3 times per day, for up to 5-7 consecutive days.

Safety

Pregnancy:

Oxymetazoline is classified as FDA Category C (animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus, but there are no well-controlled human studies). Therefore, the potential benefits and risks should be considered, and it should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Using oxymetazoline with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and higher blood pressure (hypertension).

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