Oxymetazoline



Afrin®[OTC]; Afrin® Extra Moisturizing [OTC]; Afrin® Original [OTC]; Afrin® Severe Congestion [OTC]; Afrin® Sinus [OTC]; Duramist® Plus [OTC]; Duration®[OTC]; Genasal [OTC]; Neo-Synephrine® 12 Hour [OTC]; Neo-Synephrine® 12 Hour Extra Moisturizing [OTC]; Nostrilla®[OTC]; Twice-A-Day®[OTC]; Vicks Sinex® 12 Hour Ultrafine Mist [OTC]; Visine® L.R. [OTC]; 4-Way® Long Acting [OTC]







Oxymetazoline

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U.S. Brand Names
Afrin®[OTC]; Afrin® Extra Moisturizing [OTC]; Afrin® Original [OTC]; Afrin® Severe Congestion [OTC]; Afrin® Sinus [OTC]; Duramist® Plus [OTC]; Duration®[OTC]; Genasal [OTC]; Neo-Synephrine® 12 Hour [OTC]; Neo-Synephrine® 12 Hour Extra Moisturizing [OTC]; Nostrilla®[OTC]; Twice-A-Day®[OTC]; Vicks Sinex® 12 Hour Ultrafine Mist [OTC]; Visine® L.R. [OTC]; 4-Way® Long Acting [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Claritin® Allergic Decongestant; Dristan® Long Lasting Nasal; Drixoral® Nasal
Mexican Brand Names
Afrin®; Iliadin®; Ocuclear®; Oxylin®; Visine A.D.®
Pharmacologic Category
Adrenergic Agonist Agent; Vasoconstrictor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to oxymetazoline or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion.
  • This medicine is used to treat eye irritation.
How does it work?
  • Oxymetazoline shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
  • It shrinks blood vessels in the eye.
How is it best taken?
  • Nasal:
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For the nose only. Keep out of mouth and eyes (may burn).
  • Blow your nose before use.
  • Do not use for more than 3 days in a row.
  • Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is used on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not use for longer than 3 days, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have asthma, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have glaucoma, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are a male with problems urinating, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High blood pressure.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Nasal irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: