What Is Oxymetazoline & What Is It Used For?

Understanding Oxymetazoline Nasal Decongestant: What It Is and How It Works

Primarily available in nasal sprays, drops, or mists, the common active ingredient in nasal decongestant medicines, oxymetazoline, belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetics. These drugs work on the blood vessels of your nasal passages.

When you apply oxymetazoline into your nasal passages, it gets to work fast, causing these blood vessels to squeeze back to normal and reduce swelling, paving the way for clearer breathing.

Oxymetazoline works fast and can provide congestion relief for several hours, allowing you to breathe freely and comfortably.

What Is Oxymetazoline Used For?

Oxymetazoline is primarily used as a sinus medication to relieve a stuffy nose and nasal congestion symptoms caused by the common cold or allergies. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing a stuffy nose from a cold or allergies, oxymetazoline can give you congestion relief.

Oxymetazoline is typically administered as a nasal spray, and its effects can last for several hours, providing temporary relief from nasal congestion.

How To Use Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray

Be sure to read the full instructions on the medicine label on how to use the nasal spray. This includes directions on not using oxymetazoline nasal sprays more than twice a day or more than a maximum of 3 days.

Here’s how to successfully use an oxymetazoline nasal spray for both adults and children.

• Adults and children between the ages of 6-12 years old (with adult supervision):
  Administer 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.

• Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor.

To use: push firmly down on cap and turn counterclockwise.

To spray: squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly. Do not tilt the head backward while spraying. Wipe nozzle clean and secure cap after use.

Select Safety Considerations of Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray

It's important to exercise caution when using oxymetazoline if you have certain medical conditions. Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should consult a healthcare professional before using oxymetazoline.

To minimize the risk of oxymetazoline side effects, it's essential to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use as directed on the product label. If you experience persistent symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional promptly. Also ask a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about oxymetazoline or your symptoms.

Try SUDAFED® OM Sinus Severe Original Spray

For nasal congestion relief that starts working in seconds and lasts up to 12 hours, try SUDAFED® OM Sinus Severe Original Nasal Spray. This medicated nasal spray is formulated with 0.05% oxymetazoline HCl to relieve nasal congestion symptoms so you can breathe easier.

References

1. Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray: MedlinePlus Drug Information