What Is Oxymetazoline Nasal?
Oxymetazoline nasal (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold.
Oxymetazoline nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Oxymetazoline nasal (for the nose) is used for temporary relief of nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening symptoms, or if you have severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray
You should not use oxymetazoline nasal if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- enlarged prostate or urination problems.
It is not known whether oxymetazoline nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Oxymetazoline Nasal Side Effects
Stop using oxymetazoline nasal and call your doctor at once if you have:
- ongoing or worsening symptoms;
- severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray;
- chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
- severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.
- mild burning or stinging of the nose;
- sneezing; or
- runny nose.
Oxymetazoline Nasal Interactions
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use oxymetazoline nasal if you are also using any of the following drugs:
- an antidepressant--amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline;
- ergot medicine--ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine; or
- an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine.
Oxymetazoline Nasal Dosage
Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms or cause nasal congestion to clear up and come back.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Sharing a nasal spray bottle can spread infection.
To use the nose drops (nasal solution):
- Blow your nose gently. Tilt your head back as far as possible, or lie down and hang your head over the side of a bed. Hold the dropper over your nose and place the correct number of drops into your nose.
- Sit up and bend your head slightly forward, then move it gently left and right. Stay seated with your head bent forward for a few minutes.
- Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nose drops.
- Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.
- Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.
Wipe the tip of the spray bottle with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Certain nasal medications can cause serious medical problems in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the nasal spray bottle.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
