Uses
Uses of oxymetazoline hydrochloride
Oxymetazoline HCl is commonly used for:
- Nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies
- Ocular redness due to minor irritation
- Otic barotrauma
How should I take oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Intranasal Administration
Administer nasal solution intranasally as sprays or nasal pumps.
Firstly, prime the nasal inhaler by depressing the pump firmly several times.
Secondly, administer nasal spray or pump into each nostril while the head is erect.
Ophthalmic Administration
Administer ophthalmic solution topically to the conjunctiva.
Avoid contamination of the dropper tip.
In addition, remove contact lenses before administering an ophthalmic solution.
Do not administer discolored or cloudy solutions.
How do I store oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. Therefore, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush it down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, do not use it if expired. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- Have allergy with any of the active or inactive ingredients of oxymetazoline hydrochloride or other medications.
- Have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Do not use oxymetazoline HCl solution for more than 3 days unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Consequently, frequent or long-term use of oxymetazoline hydrochloride solution may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.
To prevent spreading of germs, do not share this medication.
For diabetic patients: oxymetazoline HCl solution may affect your blood sugar level. Therefore, your doctor may need to change the amount of diabetes medicine you are taking.
Oxymetazoline HCl solution is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using oxymetazoline HCl during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Therefore, always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this drug. In addition, oxymetazoline hydrochloride is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
When using this drug, some side effects may occur, such as transient burning, stinging, sneezing, increased nasal discharge or dryness of nasal mucosa.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. However, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Products may interact with this drug, including:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) because the effectiveness of oxymetazoline hydrochloride solution may be decreased.
- Cocaine, furazolidone, MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine), or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) because side effects, such as headache, fever, or high blood pressure, may be increased.
- Bromocriptine or cocaine because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased.
Does food or alcohol interact with oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
Especially if any of the following apply to you:
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged prostate
- Diabetes
- Overactive thyroid
- Heart disease
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug.
What is the dose for adults?
Nasal Congestion – Intranasal
The recommended dose is 2 or 3 sprays of a 0.05% nasal solution in each nostril every 10–12 hours (usually in the morning and evening), up to 2 times daily.
Conjunctival Congestion – Ophthalmic
The recommended dose is 1 or 2 drops of a 0.025% ophthalmic solution in the affected eye(s) every 6 hours as needed.
What is the dose for a child?
Nasal Congestion – intranasal
In children ≥6 years of age: 2 or 3 sprays of a 0.05% nasal solution in each nostril every 10–12 hours (usually in the morning and evening), up to 2 times daily.
Conjunctival Congestion – Ophthalmic
In children ≥6 years of age: 1 or 2 drops of a 0.025% ophthalmic solution in the affected eye(s) every 6 hours as needed.
How is oxymetazoline hydrochloride available?
This drug is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Oxymetazoline HCl nasal solution 0.05%
- Oxymetazoline HCl ophthalmic solution 0.025%
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of oxymetazoline HCl, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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