oxymetazoline (Afrin, Duramist Plus, Dristan 12 Hr, Cheracol Nasal, Duration, Genasal, QlearQuil 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Moisturizing Spray, Sinarest 12 Hour, Vicks Sinex 12 Hour)

Dosing and uses of Afrin, Duramist Plus (oxymetazoline)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

intranasal solution

• 0.05%

 

Nasal Congestion

Indicated for temporary relief of nasal congestion

2-3 gtt/sprays per nostril q12hr

Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hr and for no longer than 3-5 days

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

intranasal solution

• 0.05%

 

Nasal Congestion

Indicated for temporary relief of nasal congestion

<6 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

≥6 years

• 2-3 gtt/sprays per nostril q12hr
• Not to exceed 2 doses/24 hr for no longer than 3-5 days

 

Afrin, Duramist Plus (oxymetazoline) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Insomnia

Headache

Burning

Stinging

Dryness

Sneezing

Rebound congestion

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

 

Cautions

Hypertension

Heart failure

Coronary artery disease

Diabetes

Hyperthyroidism

Prostatic hyperplasia

Overuse may cause rebound congestion

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Afrin, Duramist Plus (oxymetazoline)

Mechanism of action

Alpha-adrenergic agonist; stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors and produces vasoconstriction in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa

 

Absorption

Onset: Within seconds

Duration: 6 hr

 

Elimination

Excretion: Via kidney