Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray (Afrin)

Category:

• Decongestant

Description:

• Topical decongestant

Indications:

• Nasal congestion

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Children <2 years

• Hyperthyroidism, heart disease

• Hypertension, diabetes mellitus

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: dizziness, headache, weakness, nervousness

• CV: cardiac irregularities, hypertension

• EENT: rebound congestion/hyperemia (“rhinitis medicamentosa”), sneezing, stinging, transient burning, ulceration of nasal mucosa

• GI: nausea

• SKIN: sweating

Dosage:

Administered topically (nasal spray)

• Adult and child > or = 6 years: NASAL 2-3 drops or sprays of 0.05% solution instilled into each nostril 2 times daily; do not exceed 3-5 days duration

• Child 2-5 years: NASAL 2-3 drops of 0.025% solution instilled into each nostril 2 times daily; do not exceed 3-5 days duration