What can you tell me about the abuse of drixine?

For occasional use: Oxymetazoline is the ingredient in afrin, dristan, or drixine. It is an otc nasal decongestant spray that shrinks the blood vessels in the nose (vasoconstricts) so the nose gets less swollen inside. The person then breathes better for a few hours. Usually it is used for 1-3 days, not long term, to avoid "rebound congestion" whenever the spray wears off. Using too often or too long may be "abuse".