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)
Classes: Decongestants, Intranasal
Dosing and uses of Afrin, Duramist Plus (oxymetazoline)
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
