Oxymetazoline: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug oxymetazoline?

What is Oxymetazoline for?

Oxymetazoline is a drug used to relieve congestion in the nose caused by a variety of conditions including the common cold, sinusitis, fever, and allergies. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal area, reducing swelling and congestion.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

This medication can also be used to relieve "ear congestion" and to reduce swelling in the nose before certain surgeries or procedures.

How should I use Oxymetazoline?

Use this medication on the nose as directed. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If you are unsure about information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Exhale air slowly through your nose before using this medicine. Use your finger to close the nostrils on the side that is not receiving the medicine. While keeping your head upright, place the tip of the spray into the open nostrils. Spray the medication into the open nostrils while you breathe in through your nose. Take several vigorous inhalations to make sure the medicine reaches deep into the nose. Repeat this step for the other nostrils if needed.

Avoid spraying the medicine in your eyes or into the middle part of your nose (nasal septum).

Rinse the spray tip with hot water or wipe it with clean paper towels after use. Make sure that water does not get into the container. Replace the lid after use.

This drug provides relief that is only temporary. Do not use it frequently, do not use more spray, or use it for longer than directed as this can increase the risk of side effects. Also, do not use this medication for more than 3 days or it could cause a condition called rebound congestion. Symptoms of rebound congestion are long-term redness, swelling inside the nose, and an increase in a runny nose. If this happens, stop using this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or doesn't get better after 3 days.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Oxymetazoline stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Oxymetazoline dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Oxymetazoline for adults?

Adults and children 6 years of age and older: use 2 or 3 drops or spray of a 0.05% solution in each nostril every ten to twelve hours. Do not use more than two times in twenty-four hours.

What is the dosage of Oxymetazoline for children?

Children up to 6 years of age: use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

In what dosage is Oxymetazoline available?

• Solution
• Spray

Oxymetazoline side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Oxymetazoline?

Transient burning, stinging, dryness in the nose, runny nose and sneezing may occur. If any of these effects do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.

If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, keep in mind that he has judged that the benefits of this drug outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not experience serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of the following serious side effects occur: slow / fast / pounding heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, mental / mood changes, trouble sleeping, shaking (tremors), unusual sweating, weakness unusual.

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, seek immediate medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching / swelling (especially face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Oxymetazoline Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Oxymetazoline?

In deciding which medication to take, consider the risks of taking the medication. It is up to you and your doctor to decide. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read labels or ingredients carefully.

Children

Children may be especially sensitive to the effects of oxymetazoline. This can increase the chance of side effects during treatment.

Elderly

Many medicines have not been tested in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work the same way in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in the elderly. There is no specific information on the use of oxymetazoline in the elderly.

Is Oxymetazoline safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are not sufficient studies in women to find out the risk to the baby when the mother takes this drug during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Oxymetazoline Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Oxymetazoline?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with Oxymetazoline?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Oxymetazoline?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• dryness of the nose
• high blood pressure
• tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• problems urinating from an enlarged prostate. Can make the condition worse..

Oxymetazoline overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.