Question 1

is afrin (oxymetazoline) allergy ok for kids?

Accepted Answer

Afrin (oxymetazoline): Afrin should only be used for 2 to 3 days.  Longer use can cause rebound nasal congestion due to down regulation of the number of Alpha receptors in the nasal tissue.  Avoid using afrin in children under the age of 6.

Question 2

allergy tested (none) daytime clear. night stuffy , afrin (oxymetazoline) works wonderful. does this mean no or slight deviated septum? the fact that afrin (oxymetazoline) helps lots

Accepted Answer

NonAllergic Rhinitis: It sounds like you have non-allergic rhinitis. You may also have medication related nasal congestion from Enalapril and afrin (if you have been using it frequenly). Stop afrin (oxymetazoline). Deviated septum may be playing a role depending on the extent.

Question 3

if i use afrin nasal spray as needed for nasal allergies for 3 days in a row, how long do i have to wait before it is ok to use afrin again?

Accepted Answer

Better treatment: Go see an ENT and get switched to a better long-term treatment. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a poor choice to manage allergies.

Question 4

any helpful ideas for how to more comfortably wean down from chronic afrin (oxymetazoline) during allergy season?  the rebound rhinitis is tough!

Accepted Answer

Rebound: I would try sudafed  and zyrtec during the acute phase and use ocean nasal spray.  It should not last but a few weeks but you will be stuffy.

Question 5

i took sudafed, flonase and afrin (oxymetazoline) but getting no relief for allergy congestion, can i take claritin on top of the other meds?

Accepted Answer

Afrin (oxymetazoline)?: You need to see an expert to determine the cause of the congestion and confirm that it is related to allergy.  If you have been taking Afrin (oxymetazoline) for more than 5 days consecutively, then the persistent congestion is most likely now caused by the Afrin (oxymetazoline) (it causes sensitization and "rebound congestion"). Claritin can be added safely, but it may not be effective if underlying issue not addressed

Question 6

chronic post nasal drip=can't sleep even on incline! rare eustachian draining. manage reflux, no allergies. afrin works but anything better long term?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Afrin should not be used daily for more than a few days else you end up getting more severe nasal symptom.Assuming that you have already been worked up by a board-certified allergist , your next bet would be an ENT doctor.   There are many nasal medications other than afrin to control your symptoms once the cause is known.

Question 7

can i take zyrtec (cetirizine) together with nose spray containing  oxymetazoline hci ? not sure if i can take the 2 together while they both say for allergies

Accepted Answer

Yes: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine and blocks histamine receptors, while oxymetazoline is a decongestant. There is no interaction and effects will be additive. However, prolonged use of oxymetazoline could lead to dependence.

Question 8

can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but . . .: Taken in the third trimester, there appears to be no problem.  There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especially in the first two trimesters.  My recommendation is use saline nasal spray.  Works very well and all it is salt water.

Question 9

is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe to use in the second trimester? i've used it atleast twice a day for the last two weeks?  is the baby ok?

Accepted Answer

Don't overuse it: Pregnancy causes congestion from swelling of the nasal membranes. Afrin shrinks the lining but should only be used for a couple of days; any longer causes severe "rebound" congestion. It is also a vasoconstrictor (tightens blood vessels), and while the risk is low, it may affect blood flow to your baby. Check with your doctor for safer and better options to treat your congestion.

Question 10

should i stop using afrin (oxymetazoline) before a laparoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Likely no: This is all local with minimal absorption into circulation. It shouldn't be an issue w laparoscopy. U should call ur hospital and talk to pre-op nurse or anesthesia person.

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Doctor answers about:

Afrin allergy in children

A member asked:

Is afrin (oxymetazoline) allergy ok for kids?

A member asked:

Allergy tested (none) daytime clear. night stuffy , afrin (oxymetazoline) works wonderful. does this mean no or slight deviated septum? the fact that afrin (oxymetazoline) helps lots

A member asked:

If i use afrin nasal spray as needed for nasal allergies for 3 days in a row, how long do i have to wait before it is ok to use afrin again?

A member asked:

Any helpful ideas for how to more comfortably wean down from chronic afrin (oxymetazoline) during allergy season? the rebound rhinitis is tough!

A member asked:

I took sudafed, flonase and afrin (oxymetazoline) but getting no relief for allergy congestion, can i take claritin on top of the other meds?

A member asked:

Chronic post nasal drip=can't sleep even on incline! rare eustachian draining. manage reflux, no allergies. afrin works but anything better long term?

A member asked:

Can i take zyrtec (cetirizine) together with nose spray containing oxymetazoline hci ? not sure if i can take the 2 together while they both say for allergies

A member asked:

Can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)?

A member asked:

Is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe to use in the second trimester? i've used it atleast twice a day for the last two weeks? is the baby ok?

A member asked:

Should i stop using afrin (oxymetazoline) before a laparoscopy?

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