Oxymetazoline nasal spray

Oxymetazoline nasal spray is one of the effective and fast acting over the counter treatments available for the management of nasal congestion induced by allergies, common cold, sinusitis and hayfever. Oxymetazoline is an alpha-1A adrenoceptor agonist having different clinical applications. Nasal spray and drops forms are usually used for the temporary relief for nasal congestion. Oxymetazoline nasal spray form have the benefit that it delivers medicine in fine droplet form to all parts of the nose. Also patients can use spray form in any posture like standing or sitting, which makes it more convenient for application.

How it works

Oxymetazoline is a directly acting sympathomimetic agent. It selectively agonizes alfa1 and alfa2 adrenergic receptors present in the vascular beds, resulting in the vasoconstriction. Nasal congestion is caused by swelling of blood vessels and other tissues in the nasal passage which leads to difficulty in breathing. Action of oxymetazoline on the vascular beds of nasal mucosa leads to vasoconstriction and decreases congestion.

History

Oxymetazoline was developed in 1961 by Fruhstorfer and Helmut Muller Calgan at Merck Darmstadt, germany. Afrin is the first brand, which is sold as prescription medication in 1966. From 1975 it became available as an over the counter drug.

How to use oxymetazoline nasal spray

Oxymetazoline nasal spray is usually used twice daily. One or two puffs are applied to each nostril. Since oxymetazoline is effective for upto 12 hrs twice daily dose is effective.

Gently blow your nose before application. Keep your head upright. Place the spray tip to one of the nostrils and close the other nostril using your finger. Spray medication as you breathe in through your nose. Sniff a few times to ensure that medication reaches deep into the nose. Repeat these steps in the other nostril also.

Oxymetazoline nasal spray can be used as an over the counter drug for 3 consecutive days. If it is not effective then you have to consult a doctor for further treatment. It must be discontinued after 10 days of use because continuous use may lead to adverse effects.

Advantages of oxymetazoline nasal spray are

Fast acting, effect will start within minutes
Easy to use
Available as metered dose package, convenient to use
Available in different strengths for adults and childrens

Disadvantages

Only temporary relief can be obtained
Not suitable for prolonged use
Not recommended for infants below 1 years of age
It may create physical dependents in some patients.

Adverse effects

Oxymetazoline is comparatively a safer drug. Major side effect reported with this preparation is Rebound congestion or Rhinitis medicamentosa, which is caused by prolonged use of this preparation. Rhinitis medicamentosa is a condition presented by prolonged use of topical decongestants like phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline etc. it is characterized by persistent nasal congestion without rhinorrhea, post nasal drip or sneezing.

Other reported side effects include burning and stinging sensation, dryness inside the nose, nervousness, nausea, dizziness, headache and difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep.

Over dosage of this preparation also reported chest pain, myocardial infarction, stroke, visual disturbances, arrhythmia, hypertension or hypotension.

Pregnancy, lactation and pediatric use

Oxymetazoline is a Pregnancy category C medicine. It means there is a chance for fetal abnormalities so better avoid this medicine during pregnancy.

It is not known that oxymetazoline nasal preparations are excreted in breast milk

Oxymetazoline is not recommended for use in infants because there is a chance of cardiac adverse effects.

Major brands

Afrin
Dristan
Nasivin
Nasivion
Otrivin-O
Oxylin
Oxyspray
rhinojet

Conclusion

Oxymetazoline nasal spray is the effective, fast acting and comparatively safe treatment for the nasal congestion caused by various conditions like allergy, sinusitis, cold and hay fever. Its major drawbacks are it only gives temporary symptomatic relief and it is not suitable for prolonged treatment.

Disclaimer: the above article is only for the information purpose, not for self medication.

Its me Pharmacist