What is Afrin?
Oxymetazoline is a decongestant which reduces blood vessels in the passages of nasal airways. The blood vessels are dilapidated and can lead to nose congestion (stuffy nostrils).
The Afrin (for your nose) is a temporary relief in nose congestion (stuffy nose) due to allergy or common cold. Afrin is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Afrin side effects
Contact a medical professional immediately If you experience any of the following symptoms warning signs of reactions to an allergen such as hives; difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, face or tongue.
Afrin may cause serious side effects:
- Persistent or deteriorating symptoms;
- Intense burning or stinging sensations in your nose following the use of the spray for your nose;
- Chest pain, rapid or irregular heart rate or
- A severe headache that causes a buzzing sensation in your ear, anxiety, anxiety or feeling sluggish.
Common side effects of Afrin can be:
- Slight burning or stinging the nose.
- Snorting.
- Nasal congestion.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all side effects. other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Afrin (for your nose) is used to provide temporary relief from nasal congestion that is caused by allergies or common cold.
Take a break from Afrin and contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from persistent or deteriorating symptoms, or are experiencing intense burning or stinging sensations in your nose following the use of the spray for nasal use.
Before you Take Afrin
You shouldn't take Afrin If you are allergic to it.
Consult a pharmacist or doctor whether it is appropriate for you to take this medication in the event of any other medical conditions, such as:
- Heart illness, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease.
- Diabetes.
- A thyroid disorder.
- Prostate enlargement or urinary tract issues.
FDA pregnancy category C:
It isn't known whether Afrin could harm an unborn baby. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant taking this medication.
It isn't known if the nasal oxymetazoline is absorbed into the milk of a nursing baby or the risk to the baby who is nursing. Inform your doctor if are breastfeeding a child.
How to Take Afrin?
Take exactly as indicated on the label or as recommended by your physician. Avoid using in larger than smaller quantities or for a longer time than is recommended. If you are taking the medication excessively or frequently could aggravate conditions or trigger nasal congestion that will disappear and return.
Consult your physician if symptoms don't improve after three weeks of therapy.
Do not give this medication to someone else regardless of whether they are suffering from similar symptoms to yours. Sharing the nasal spray bottle could cause an infection.
To use the drops for the nose (nasal solution):
- Blowing your nose gently. Turn your head to the maximum extent you can or lay down and hang your head on the side of your mattress. Place the dropper in your nose and put the appropriate amount of drops inside your nose.
- Then, sit up and bend your head slightly forward then slowly move it left and left and. Sit with your head bending to the side for a few minutes.
- Avoid blowing or sneezing your nose for an hour after applying the drops for your nose.
For use with the spray for nasal use:
- Breathe your nose slowly. Maintain your head in a straight position and then insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril. Make sure your other nostril is closed by using your finger. Breathe deeply and gently spray the medication through your nose. After that, spray the other nostril.
- Don't breathe your nostrils for several minutes following the application of the spray for your nose.
Do not apply the spray on your nose more than twice in 24 hours.
Clean the edge of the bottle with an unclean tissue. Avoid rinsing it with soap or water. Keep at room temperature, avoid from heat and moisture. Don't freeze. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed when not being used.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose immediately after you recall. Do not take your missed dosage if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Don't use any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact to the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 If you have accidentally swallowed the medicine.
Make sure to keep Afrin out of child's reach. Certain nasal medications could cause serious health issues in an infant who takes a swallow or sucks up medication in the spray bottle for nasal use.
What Should be Avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks or activities.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor to determine if it's appropriate to use Afrin in conjunction with taking any of the following medications:
- An antidepressant--amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline;
- Ergot medicine--ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine; or
- Isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine are all MAO inhibitors
This list isn't exhaustive and other medications may be incompatible with Afrin. Discuss with your doctor the medications you are taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter or vitamin-based herbal remedies. Don't start any new medication without first talking to your physician.
