What is oxymetazoline nasal?
Oxymetazoline is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels
(veins and arteries) in your body. The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in your
nasal tissues. Constriction of the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses leads to drainage of these
areas and a decrease in congestion.
Oxymetazoline nasal is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus
irritation, and the common cold.
Oxymetazoline nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxymetazoline nasal?
Do not use oxymetazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. This could cause a very dangerous drug interaction with serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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high blood pressure;
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any type of heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or
irregular heart beats;
-
thyroid problems;
-
diabetes;
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glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
-
an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
-
liver or kidney disease.
You may not be able to use oxymetazoline nasal, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
It is not known whether oxymetazoline nasal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use
oxymetazoline nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of oxymetazoline nasal. Do not use this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
oxymetazoline nasal. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take oxymetazoline nasal?
Use oxymetazoline nasal exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that
accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you.
To apply the nasal spray, keep your head upright, spray, then sniff hard for a few minutes
after administering a dose.
To apply the nasal drops, lie on a bed on your back with your head hanging over the edge.
Insert the drops and remain in this position for several minutes. Gently turn your head from side
to side.
Do not allow the tip of the container to touch the inside of your nose or any other surface.
This spreads the infection.
Also, to prevent the spread of infection, do not share this medication with anyone else.
Discard this medication bottle after use. Do not save it for reuse.
Never use this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too
much oxymetazoline nasal could be very harmful. Oxymetazoline nasal should not be used more
often than twice a day (every 12 hours).
Do not use oxymetazoline nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause
damage to your nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve,
see your doctor.
Store oxymetazoline nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of oxymetazoline nasal?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about oxymetazoline nasal?
Your pharmacist has information about oxymetazoline nasal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of oxymetazoline nasal?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using oxymetazoline
nasal and seek emergency medical attention:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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seizures;
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unusual behavior or hallucinations; or
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an irregular or fast heartbeat.
More commonly, you may experience some sneezing or burning,
stinging, dryness, or irritation of the nose. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about oxymetazoline nasal?
Do not use oxymetazoline nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause
damage to your nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve,
see your doctor.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your
doctor.
What should I avoid while taking oxymetazoline nasal?
Never use this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too
much oxymetazoline nasal could be very harmful.
What other drugs will affect oxymetazoline nasal?
Do not use oxymetazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days.
Although drug interactions between topical nasal decongestants and drugs taken by mouth
are not expected, they can occur. Rarely, oxymetazoline nasal may interact with the following
medicines:
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furazolidone (Furoxone);
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guanethidine (Ismelin);
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indomethacin (Indocin);
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methyldopa (Aldomet);
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bromocriptine (Parlodel);
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caffeine in cola, tea, coffee, chocolate and other products;
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theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, others);
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tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil,
Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor);
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other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants,
including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin),
imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil);
-
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and
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other commonly used phenothiazines, including
fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), mesoridazine (Serentil), and trifluoperazine
(Stelazine).
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
oxymetazoline nasal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of oxymetazoline nasal?