Drug Reference
Oxymetazoline
Sympathomimetics, plain
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Sympathomimetics, plain
- Action class
- Vasoconstrictor
- Chemical class
- Imidazolines
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
AfrinAllerest 12 Hour Nasal SprayDristan 12-Hour Nasal SprayDuramist PlusFour-WayKovanazeNeo-Synephrine 12 HourNostrillaQlearquil Nasal DecongestantRhofadeSinex Long-ActingSinufrin PlusSudafed OMUpneeqZicam Sinus Relief
Available as
0.25 MG/ML · Nasal Solution0.25 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution0.5 MG/ML · Nasal Solution0.5 MG/ML · Nasal Spray0.5 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution2.5 MG/ML · Nasal Spray0.1 MG/ACTUAT · Nasal Spray10 MG/ML · Topical Cream1 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution0.0005 MG/MG · Nasal Gel0.25 MG/ML · Nasal Spray
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure
How to use / dosing
Directions Remove protective cap. Before using for the first time, prime the pump by firmly depressing its rim several times. Hold container with thumb at base and nozzle between first and second fingers. Without tilting your head, insert nozzle into nostril. Fully depress rim with a firm, even stroke and inhale deeply. adults & children 6 yrs. & older (with adult supervision): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours. children 2 to under 6 yrs.: ask a doctor children under 2 yrs.: do not use
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For external use only; avoid contact with eyes. Do not use by mouth in nostrils on wounds or damaged skin with tight bandages Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease high blood pressure thyroid disease diabetes trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate gland When using this product, do not do not exceed recommended dosage do not use this product for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge may occur use of this container by more than one person may spread infection Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- AXIV SINUS SEVERE ULTRA FINE MIST (OXYMETAZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE.) AEROSOL, SPRAY [VIVUNT PHARMA LLC]
- AXIV SINUS OVERNIGHT (OXYMETAZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE.) SPRAY [VIVUNT PHARMA LLC]
- NO DRIP NASAL MIST (OXYMETAZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE) SPRAY [KROGER COMPANY]
- GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY NASAL (OXYMETAZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE) SPRAY [PREFERRED PHARMACEUTICALS INC.]
- THERAFLU SEVERE CONGESTION RELIEF NASAL MIST (OXYMETAZOLINE HCL) SPRAY [HALEON US HOLDINGS LLC]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.