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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

can expired afrin (oxymetazoline) still be used?

Accepted Answer

Throw it away: I would not use any expired product with the exception of adrenaline or Epinephrine if it is a lifesaving situation and nothing else is available.  Throw away expired meds.

Question 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Medicine for oxymetazoline allergy

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 expired afrin (oxymetazoline) still be used?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Would oxymetazoline hcl show on tox screen?

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