All You Must Know About Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray

A blocked or stuffy nose can be quite troublesome as it makes breathing difficult. That is why we see a lot of people turning to nasal decongestants to relieve their symptoms and breathe freely again. Oxymetazoline is one such drug that belongs to the class of nasal decongestants and is commonly used for relieving stuffy or blocked nose. But before you go ahead and get yourself a bottle of oxymetazoline nasal spray to self-treat your symptoms, there are a few important details you must be aware of.

In this blog post, we will be covering details like uses, dosage, side effects, and safety precautions related to oxymetazoline and also learn how to use the spray correctly.

What is Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray Used For?

Oxymetazoline nasal spray is composed of oxymetazoline hydrochloride and other excipients. It is primarily used to relieve discomfort and nasal congestion (also known as stuffy nose or blocked nose) caused by common cold, sinus congestion, flu, and hay fever. However, the relief it provides is temporary and not a permanent solution to the problem.

The spray must not be used for children less than 6 years old, unless suggested by a doctor, and must be used under supervision for children 6-12 years of age.

How Does It Work?

Being a nasal decongestant, oxymetazoline hydrochloride works by relieving congestion. Whenever an infection-causing pathogen enters the body, the immune system reacts by causing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages. It also triggers excess production of mucus to flush germs out of the body. Though a part of the fighting mechanism, these symptoms cause discomfort like a blocked or stuffy nose.

Using Oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray temporarily contracts and narrows the blood vessels present in the nasal passages, providing relief from inflammation, congestion, and excess mucus production.  

What is the Dosage of Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray?

As dosage varies depending on factors like the strength of the medication and the state and age of the patient, your doctor is the right person to determine the correct dosage for you.

The typical dose of oxymetazoline nose spray (0.05%) is:

Adults and children over 6 years: 2-3 sprays in each nostril in a period of 10-12 hours

Children under 6 years: Consult your child’s paediatrician

How to Use Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray?

Before you use the nasal spray, read the label carefully and use only as directed. If there is something you do not understand, clarify with your local pharmacist.

Here are the general steps for using a nasal spray:

1. Blow your nose to remove excess mucus.

2. Hold your head upright.

3. Squeeze the bottle quickly, allowing a dose to come out.

4. Take a gentle sniff while the medication is dispensed.

5. Rinse the tip of the nasal spray and wipe with a clean tissue.

6. Close the lid tightly and store in a safe place.

7. Repeat as suggested by your doctor.

What Are Its Side Effects?

Side effects of oxymetazoline nose spray include:

• Burning or stinging
• Dryness
• Sneezing
• Headache

Although not common, inform your doctor if you have the following serious side effects:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Unusual sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Altered heartbeat (fast or slow)
• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness)

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Oxymetazoline Spray?

Inform your doctor before using oxymetazoline spray:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you are allergic to the medication.
• If you are on other medications or supplements.
• If you have other medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, enlarged prostate, thyroid condition, or heart disease.

Remember these points while using the medication:

• Never share your nasal spray with others to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Avoid taking a deep breath when taking the medication so the contents deposit in the nasal passage and do not reach the throat.
• Never use the spray for more than three consecutive days to minimise the chances of rebound congestion.

Does it Have Any Drug Interactions?

As certain medications interact with each other, altering the way they work or causing other side effects, it is important to tell your doctor about your current medication condition and the medicines and supplements you are taking. This will allow your doctor to check for possible interactions and Beta-blockers you accordingly.

Drug interactions related to Oxymetazoline include (but are not limited to):

• Doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin (used for enlarged prostate)
• Beta-blockers, ace-inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics (used for heart disease and blood pressure)
• Rasagiline, selegiline, isocarboxazid, methylene blue, safinamide, etc. (MAO inhibitors)
• Desipramine, imipramine, amitriptyline (antidepressants)

How to Store Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray?

Here are a few pointers regarding the storage of this medication:

• Store oxymetazoline spray at room temperature, in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
• Do not keep it in the freezer.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep the lid tightly closed to avoid contamination.

Final Word

Oxymetazoline nasal spray is a decongestant spray available over the counter to treat nasal congestion due to colds, flu, allergies, and more and is suitable for temporary relief of symptoms. The spray must be used with certain precautions and not for more than three days. Using it longer can worsen congestion and cause what is known as rebound congestion.

If you want to ensure safe use, talk to your doctor before taking this medication so they can determine if the spray is a good choice for you or not. If not, ask for alternative medications to treat your symptoms.

FAQs

Which class of medications does Oxymetazoline belong to?

Oxymetazoline belongs to the class of nasal decongestants.

Do I need to follow a special diet when taking oxymetazoline spray?

No, you can continue with your usual diet with this medication, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What if I missed taking a dose?

If you miss taking a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if the time to take your next dose is near, skip the missed dose and take the next one. Do not use a double dose if you forget to take one.

Can Oxymetazoline nasal spray cause addiction?

Oxymetazoline nasal spray is meant for short-term use (3 days at a stretch). Using it any longer causes rebound congestion, making your symptoms worse and requiring you to use the spray for longer durations.

Though not exactly addiction, overuse of decongestant nasal spray can cause physical dependence. Hence, use the medication only as advised by your doctor.

Does oxymetazoline increase blood pressure or cause drowsiness?

Oxymetazoline may interact with certain medications and may cause symptoms like raised blood pressure or drowsiness. Therefore, let your doctor know about your current medications so they can check for possible interactions.

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Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxymetazoline-nasal-route/description/drg-20067830#drug-proper-use

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-162091-9214/nasal-spray-oxymetazoline-nasal/decongestant-spray-nasal/details