Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Had a bad cold and used afrin (oxymetazoline).. on 5th day now. only needed it once today unlike other days. is it ok to still use tomorrow since i'm needing it less?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
No: Stop the afrin immediately or you will develop rebound and rhinitis medicamentosa, a fancy name that will make your nose worse and breathing worse. Otc nasal sprays should only be used for 3 days. The cause of you nasal obstruction is usually a viral infection and saline irrigations are much more physiological and safer.
Answered 9/4/2016
4.2k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
I still get a stuffy nose , I have used flonase, sudafed, claritin, saline spray, I have been off afrin (oxymetazoline) for over a month now, what else can I do?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I get severely congested only at night and the only thing that helps is afrin (oxymetazoline) which can only be used for 3 days and the cold 60 and under. Cause?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
My nose has been clogged up for 2 days now and i finally used a oxymetazoline nasal spray but it was expired should i be worried?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Does Afrin (oxymetazoline) slow down the recovery of a cold? Assuming one takes the recommended 3 day usage, and no more.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I use oxymetazoline based decongestants for over a decade every single day. When I stop my nose gets blocked bad. I have a horrible headache as well.
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
Just opened afrin (oxymetazoline) and noticed it expired 10/14. Can I still use it for 2 days for my cold?
I have been taking oxymetazoline for 3 nights now, and am trying to stay off it to avoid a rebound. I'm still stuffy, can I take it for 2 more nights?
I took afrin (oxymetazoline) nasel spray for a cold this afternoon, is it safe for me to still take nyquil tonight even though it won't be 12 hours since i took afrin (oxymetazoline)?
Got cold. Sinuses were stuffed, cleared them up. Just ear is stuffed. Taking Afrin (oxymetazoline). Had slight fever but gone now. Ear infection? Or sinus congestion?
Had cold/acute a week ago/used afrin (oxymetazoline). Now v stuffed early ams/cant sleep/afrin (oxymetazoline) no help. Sitting makes better. New productive cough. Help w/breathing?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
