Afrin Nasal Drops 0.025%

Indications

Afrin 0.025%  is a medicine used to treat nasal congestion (blocked nose) caused by the common cold or flu, acute or chronic rhinitis hay fever, and other allergies. It shrinks blood vessels in your nose to relieve nasal congestion and blockage. Afrin  0.025% should be used as you have been advised by your doctor.

Pharmacology

Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride is an imidazoline-derived sympathomimetic amine. It is a direct agonist for -adrenoceptors but not -adrenoceptors. It causes quick and long-acting vasoconstriction of the arterioles when applied topically to the nasal mucosa, reducing blood flow and mucosal edema. As a result, the potency of the airway improves and the nasal sinuses drain more effectively.

Dosage and Administration

Oxymetazoline nasal spray-

Adults and children (6 years of age and older): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril twice daily for 3-5 days.

Elderly: There is no need for dosage reduction in the elderly for nasal administration.

Children below 6 years of age: It is not suitable for children below 6 years of age.

Oxymetazoline nasal drop-

Adults & children 6 years of age: 2-3 drops of 0.05% Nasal Drops in each nostril twice daily in the morning and evening.

Children 2-5 years of age: 2-3 drops of 0.025% Nasal Drops in each nostril twice daily in the morning and evening

How to use the Nasal Spray-

• Shake the bottle gently and remove the dust cover.
• With your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle and your thumb underneath the bottle, hold the spray. Hold down the button until a fine spray appears. If you're using it for the first time or haven't used it in a week or more, press the nasal applicator several times until fine moisture comes out of the container.
• Gently blow the nose to clear the nostrils.
• Close one nostril and insert the nasal applicator carefully into the open nostril. Keep the spray upright by tilting your head forward slightly. Breathe in deeply through your nose, then press the white collar of the nasal applicator firmly down once to release a spray.
• Breathe out through your mouth.
• Repeat the above steps in the same/another nostril for consecutive doses.

Cleaning: The nasal spray should be cleaned at least once a week. The procedures are as follows-

• Remove the dust cover.
• Gently pull off the nasal applicator.
• Wash the applicator and dust cover in warm water.
• Shake off the excess water and leave it to dry in a normal place. Avoid applying additional heat.
• Gently push the applicator back on the top of the bottle and re-fix the dust cover.

Interaction

Patients taking MAO inhibitors or those who have just stopped taking them should not use Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Nasal Preparation.

Contraindications

Cardiovascular illness, hyperthyroidism, prostatic enlargement, angle closure glaucoma, and intolerance to any of the components are all contraindications.

Side Effects of Afrin Nasal Drops

• Irritation and dryness of the mouth and throat on occasion.
• Burning
• Watery eyes
• Stinging,
• Headache,
• Insomnia,
• Tachycardia,
• Hypertension,
• Nervousness,
• Nausea,
• Dizziness,
• Palpitation,
• Arrhythmia.
• Sneezing or an increase in nasal discharge may occur for a short time.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Although the safety of Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Nasal Spray during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been proven, it is not believed to pose a risk during these times.

Precautions & Warnings

Keep your distance from the eyes. Without medical advice, the spray should not be used for more than seven days. Nasal congestion may reoccur or worsen if used frequently or for an extended period of time. Do not share the bottle with anyone else so that you do not spread germs.

Storage Conditions

Protect from light and store below 30° C in a dry area. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Keep out of children's reach.