Oxymetazoline(ox i met az’ oh leen)
Afrin No Drip 12-Hour, Afrin Severe, Congestion with Menthol, Afrin 12-Hour Original, Afrin 12-Hour Original Pump Mist, Dristan 12 Hr Nasal, Duramist Plus, Genasal, Nasal Relief, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour Extra, Moisturizing, Nostrilla 12-Hour Nasal, Vicks Sinex 12-Hour Long Acting
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Class
Nasal decongestant
Therapeutic Actions
Acts directly on alpha receptors to produce vasoconstriction of arterioles in nasal passages, which produces a decongestant response; no effect on beta receptors.
Indications
Topical: Symptomatic relief of nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosal congestion due to colds, hay fever, or other respiratory allergies
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to oxymetazoline, angle-closure glaucoma, anesthesia with cyclopropane or halothane, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, hypertension, CV disorders, women in labor whose BP exceeds 130/80.
Use cautiously with angina, arrhythmias, prostatic hypertrophy, unstable vasomotor syndrome, lactation.
Available Forms
Nasal spray or solution—0.05%
Dosages
Adults and pediatric patients older than 6 yr
Two to three sprays of 0.05% solution in each nostril bid morning and evening or every 10–12 hr for up to 3 days. Do not exceed two doses in 24 hr.
