Question 1

what is the treatment for afrin (oxymetazoline) overdose?

Accepted Answer

Stop Afrin (oxymetazoline): First, stop afrin, then tapered steroids, and prescription nasal spray, oral decongestants if cardiac status allows, sometimes saline drops or spray.

Question 2

what can i do if i overdosed on afrin (oxymetazoline)?

Accepted Answer

Cold turkey: Technically, you don't overdose on afrin, you become addicted to it due to the rebound swelling of your nasal membranes after using it for more than a few days.  Your physician can prescribe a nasal spray that is not addicting and add a steroid tablet if severe.

Question 3

what is the treatment for oxymetazoline overdose?

Accepted Answer

Steroids: The immediate cessation of the nasal spray and the use of oral steroid for several weeks may reverse this condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa.  The main thing to do once this condition, hopefully is reversed,  is to obtain a specific diagnosis such as nasal allergy or hypertrophy (enlargement) of the inferior turbinates. Surgery to reduce the size of the inferior turbinates may be curative.

Question 4

can you take many sprays of afrin (oxymetazoline) in one day without overdosing?

Accepted Answer

Not advisable: The usual dosing of afrin for an adult is 2 sprays/nostril twice a day. Any more is overdosing. It does not give incrementally improved results and risks you complications like headache, insomnia and nervousness. Absolute maximum time of usage of afrin is 5 days. Longer than this leads to tachphylaxis and worsening of nasal congestion. If you find yourself chronically congested, see your doctor.

Question 5

afrin (oxymetazoline) mix with equal part saline solution. allows for long term use without overdosing. healthy?  or cancer causing?

Accepted Answer

The problem with ..: With long-term use of afrin  is the rebound effect  in the nasal cavity and a potential for increasing blood pressure. Diluting it with   saline is not a good long-term solution. There are some prescription nasal sprays that are safe to use for the long-term treatment of allergies and nonallergic nasal conditions. There is no association with the use of afrin and cancer.

Question 6

is there still oxymetazoline in dristan?

Accepted Answer

Yes in the spray: The spray form has oxymetazoline.  The oral form does not.

Question 7

should i use expired afrin (oxymetazoline)?

Accepted Answer

Probably OK: If the bottle was unopened but is otherwise intact, then you can try to use it and see if the effect you get is what is to be expected.  The components will not expire on the expiration date but might be a slightly less power over time.  They will not decay or change to something harmful; just a little less effective.

Question 8

would oxymetazoline hcl show on tox screen?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: Unlikely if used in recommended amounts.  Depends on how much is used.  If much used can elevate blood pressure so it can get into the system.  Could call poison control center and find out.

Question 9

can you take flonase and oxymetazoline on the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Flonase is a topical nasal corticosteroid spray designed to be used daily to control allergy symptoms.  Oxymetazoline is a nasal spray decongestant that works rapidly to relieve nasal congestion, but should not be used more than several days in a row.  Both of these meds can be used on the same day.

Question 10

does afrin (oxymetazoline) mess up your sense of taste?

Accepted Answer

Not directly: If you use afrin for more than 3 days, you may develop what is called rhinitis medicamentosa or rebound.  This is a condition wherein every time you inappropriately use the nasal drop or spray, the tissue becomes even more swollen.  With enough swelling, you may develop anosmia or loss of smell.  This leads then to an alteration of taste.  Stop using afrin and have a doctor put you on steroids.

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Doctor answers about:

Afrin overdose

A member asked:

What is the treatment for afrin (oxymetazoline) overdose?

A member asked:

What can i do if i overdosed on afrin (oxymetazoline)?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for oxymetazoline overdose?

A member asked:

Can you take many sprays of afrin (oxymetazoline) in one day without overdosing?

A member asked:

Afrin (oxymetazoline) mix with equal part saline solution. allows for long term use without overdosing. healthy? or cancer causing?

A member asked:

Is there still oxymetazoline in dristan?

A member asked:

Should i use expired afrin (oxymetazoline)?

A member asked:

Would oxymetazoline hcl show on tox screen?

A member asked:

Can you take flonase and oxymetazoline on the same day?

A member asked:

Does afrin (oxymetazoline) mess up your sense of taste?

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