Oxymetazoline

Class: Vasoconstrictors
VA Class: NT100
CAS Number: 2315-02-8
Brands: Afrin No Drip Extra Moisturizing, Afrin No Drip Original, Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion, Afrin No Drip Sinus, Afrin Original, Afrin Severe Congestion, Afrin Sinus, Dristan 12 Hour, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour Severe Sinus Congestion, Nostrilla 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, Vicks Sinex 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, Visine L.R. Eye Drops, Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief, Zicam Intense Sinus Relief

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 10, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Vasoconstrictor; an imidazoline-derivative sympathomimetic amine.

Uses for Oxymetazoline

Nasal Congestion

Self-medication for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.

As effective as other topical vasoconstrictors.

Labeled and has been used for self-medication for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with sinusitis; however, efficacy data are lacking and/or controversial. In October 2005, FDA issued final rule to remove this indication from labeling of OTC nasal decongestants. Compliance date for preparations with annual sales <$25,000 is October 11, 2007; compliance date for all other preparations is April 11, 2007.

Conjunctival Congestion

Self-medication for temporary relief of ocular redness due to minor irritation.

Otitic Barotrauma

Has been used for self-medication for symptomatic prevention of otitic barotrauma† (aerotitis [barotitis] media); however, no more effective than placebo.

Oxymetazoline Dosage and Administration

Administration

Administer topically to nasal mucosa or conjunctiva.

Intranasal Administration

Administer nasal solution intranasally as sprays or nasal pumps.

Prior to initial use of metered sprays, prime nasal inhaler by depressing the pump firmly several times.

Administer nasal spray or pump into each nostril while head is erect.

Ophthalmic Administration

Administer ophthalmic solution topically to the conjunctiva.

Avoid contamination of the dropper tip.

Remove contact lenses before administering ophthalmic solution.

Do not administer discolored or cloudy solutions.

Dosage

Available as oxymetazoline hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.

Pediatric Patients

Nasal Congestion

Intranasal

For self-medication 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

For self-medication 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.

Adults

Nasal Congestion

Intranasal

For self-medication: 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

For