About Oxymetazoline 0.05% Spray
Oxymetazoline 0.05% Spray contains Oxymetazoline 0.05%. Oxymetazoline nasal spray is a decongestant that quickly clears a blocked or stuffy nose caused by a cold, sinus problems or allergy. It works for several hours after each use. It should only be used for a few days at a time, because longer use can make the blockage come back worse.
Uses of Oxymetazoline 0.05% Spray
- Blocked or stuffy nose due to a common cold
- Nasal congestion due to sinusitis
- Nasal congestion due to allergy
Benefits
In a blocked nose
It opens the nasal passages within minutes, making it easier to breathe through your nose and to sleep. It eases the blockage but does not treat the cold or infection itself.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and happen in the nose. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you.
Common
- Burning or stinging in the nose
- Sneezing
- Dryness inside the nose
- Runny nose
Get medical help if you notice
- Fast or pounding heartbeat, severe headache or feeling very restless — stop using it and contact your doctor
- Nose becoming more blocked after several days of use (rebound congestion) — stop and talk to your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Gently blow your nose first. Shake the bottle if the pack says so, keep your head upright, put the tip just inside one nostril and spray while breathing in gently. Repeat in the other nostril if advised. Use it only as often as your doctor or the pack says, and usually for no more than three days in a row. Wipe the tip after use and do not share the bottle.
How it works
It narrows the swollen blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This reduces the swelling, so the nasal passages open up.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction with alcohol is known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Little of the medicine is absorbed, but there is no specific advice for kidney disease. Ask your doctor.
Liver Consult your doctor
Little of the medicine is absorbed, but there is no specific advice for liver disease. Ask your doctor.
If you miss a dose
Use it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, use it when you remember. Do not use extra sprays to make up for it.
Quick tips
- Do not use it for more than a few days in a row, as your nose may become more blocked.
- This strength is meant for adults and older children; young children need a different product as advised by a doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.
- Use one bottle per person to avoid spreading infection.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Imidazoline derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory / nasal decongestant
- Action class
- Alpha-adrenergic agonist (sympathomimetic)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors (some antidepressants), now or in the last 2 weeks | Can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | May increase effects on blood pressure and heart rate |
| Other decongestants, including cold tablets that contain them | Can add to side effects such as fast heartbeat and raised blood pressure |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Oxymetazoline nasal spray prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA OTC nasal decongestant labelling). Pharmacist review pending.