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Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal

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Active ingredient
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.5 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Drug class
Vasoconstrictor
Dosage form
Spray
Route
Nasal
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2016
Label revision date
December 4, 2025
Active ingredient
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.5 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Drug class
Vasoconstrictor
Dosage form
Spray
Route
Nasal
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2016
Label revision date
December 4, 2025
Manufacturer
Bayer HealthCare LLC.
Registration number
M012
NDC root
11523-0073

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Drug Overview

Afrin is a nasal decongestant that contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which helps to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by conditions like the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. It works by shrinking swollen nasal membranes, allowing you to breathe more freely and alleviating sinus congestion and pressure.

This powerful relief can last for up to 12 hours, making Afrin a popular choice among both doctors and pharmacists. If you're looking for a way to ease your nasal congestion, Afrin may be an effective option to consider.

Uses

If you're dealing with nasal congestion from a common cold, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies, this medication can help provide temporary relief. It works by shrinking swollen nasal membranes, allowing you to breathe more freely. Additionally, it can relieve sinus congestion and pressure, making it easier for you to feel comfortable.

Dosage and Administration

When using this medication, adults and children aged 6 to under 12 years should spray 2 or 3 times in each nostril, but only every 10 to 12 hours. It's important not to exceed 2 doses in a 24-hour period. If your child is under 6 years old, please consult a doctor before use.

To apply the spray, start by pushing down firmly on the cap and turning it counterclockwise. When you're ready to spray, squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly, making sure not to tilt your head backward while doing so. After using the spray, wipe the nozzle clean and securely replace the cap to keep it safe for next time.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this medication responsibly to avoid potential issues. You should not use it for more than three days, and always follow the directions provided. Using it longer than recommended can lead to nasal congestion returning or worsening. Additionally, sharing this container with others is not advised, as it may spread infection.

To ensure your safety, remember to use the medication only as directed and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage. Taking these precautions will help you use the medication effectively while minimizing risks.

Side Effects

You may experience some temporary discomfort when using this product, such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge. If you use it frequently or for a long time, you might find that nasal congestion returns or worsens. It's also important to note that sharing this product with others can lead to the spread of infection.

If your symptoms continue despite using the product, please stop using it and consult your doctor for further advice.

Warnings and Precautions

Before using this product, it's important to consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Always follow the directions carefully—do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for more than three days. Prolonged use can lead to worsening nasal congestion, and you may experience temporary discomfort like burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge. Additionally, sharing this product with others can spread infections.

Keep this product out of reach of children. If a child accidentally swallows it, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. If your symptoms do not improve, stop using the product and reach out to your doctor for further advice.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed too much of a medication, it's important to seek medical help immediately. You can do this by contacting a Poison Control Center or going to the nearest emergency room. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to get help right away. Remember, it's always better to be safe and get checked by a medical professional.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This ensures that you understand any potential risks and can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your breastfeeding journey.

Pediatric Use

When using this medication for children aged 6 to under 12 years, you can administer 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, but only with adult supervision. It's important to space these doses at least 10 to 12 hours apart and not to exceed 2 doses in a 24-hour period.

For children under 6 years old, you should consult a doctor before use. This ensures that the medication is safe and appropriate for your child's specific needs. Always prioritize your child's health and follow these guidelines carefully.

Geriatric Use

While there is no specific information available about the use of this medication in older adults, it’s important to approach any new treatment with caution. If you or a loved one is an older adult, it’s always wise to discuss any medications with a healthcare provider, especially since older individuals may have different health needs and may be taking other medications.

Since there are no dosage adjustments or special precautions mentioned for elderly patients, your healthcare provider can help determine the best approach based on individual health conditions and overall treatment goals. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor to ensure safe and effective use of any medication.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to consult your doctor before using this medication, especially if you experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Your healthcare provider can help determine if this medication is safe for you and may suggest adjustments to your dosage or monitoring based on your kidney function. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your kidney health and any medications you are considering.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Before starting any new medication, including this one, you should discuss your liver health with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the best approach for your treatment and ensure your safety.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. While there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication, your healthcare provider can help ensure that everything you are taking works well together and is safe for you. Always share your complete list of medications and any health conditions you have to receive the best care possible.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF). This temperature range helps maintain the product's effectiveness and safety. It's also important to keep the original carton, as it contains valuable information and labeling that you may need for future reference.

When handling the product, always do so with clean hands and in a clean environment to avoid contamination. Following these guidelines will help you use the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

No further information is available.

FAQ

What is Afrin?

Afrin is an oxymetazoline HCl nasal solution used as a nasal decongestant.

What conditions does Afrin relieve?

Afrin temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies, as well as sinus congestion and pressure.

How long does Afrin provide relief?

Afrin provides relief for up to 12 hours.

What is the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 6 to under 12?

The recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 doses in any 24-hour period.

What should I do if I have children under 6 years of age?

For children under 6 years of age, you should ask a doctor before use.

What are the side effects of using Afrin?

Temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge may occur. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.

What precautions should I take before using Afrin?

Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

How should Afrin be used?

To use Afrin, push firmly down on the cap and turn counterclockwise. Squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly while spraying, and do not tilt your head backward.

What should I do if symptoms persist?

If symptoms persist, stop use and ask a doctor.

Is Afrin safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal (oxymetazoline hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. It also provides temporary relief from sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, this drug acts to shrink swollen nasal membranes, facilitating easier breathing.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 6 to under 12 years of age, when administered under adult supervision, may receive 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril. Dosing should not occur more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours, and it is essential not to exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period.

For children under 6 years of age, it is advised to consult a physician prior to use.

To administer the medication, the healthcare professional should instruct the patient to push firmly down on the cap and turn it counterclockwise. While spraying, the patient should squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly, ensuring that the head is not tilted backward during the administration. After use, the nozzle should be wiped clean, and the cap should be securely replaced.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Use is not recommended for more than 3 consecutive days due to the risk of nasal congestion recurrence or worsening.

  • Use is contraindicated if the product is intended for more than directed, as this may lead to adverse effects.

  • The use of this container by multiple individuals is contraindicated due to the potential for infection transmission.

Warnings and Precautions

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the following warnings and precautions associated with the use of this product.

Patients should be advised to consult a physician prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. These conditions may increase the risk of adverse effects or complications.

When administering this product, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage. Patients should not exceed the directed use and should limit the duration of use to no more than three days. Prolonged or frequent use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion. Additionally, temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge may occur during use. It is also important to note that sharing this container with others may facilitate the spread of infection.

In the event of accidental ingestion, it is imperative to keep the product out of reach of children. If swallowed, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center is recommended.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a physician if symptoms persist. This precaution is essential to ensure appropriate management of any underlying conditions or complications that may arise.

Side Effects

Patients using this product may experience temporary discomfort, which can include sensations of burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge. These reactions are generally mild and transient.

It is important to note that frequent or prolonged use of the product may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion. Additionally, the use of this container by more than one person poses a risk of spreading infection.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with the use of this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal (oxymetazoline hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 to under 12 years may use the medication with adult supervision, receiving 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not to be administered more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours. It is important to note that the total dosage should not exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period.

For children under 6 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in efficacy, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdosage, immediate medical intervention is crucial. If the substance is ingested, it is imperative to seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that prompt action can significantly influence the outcome of an overdosage situation. Symptoms of overdosage may vary depending on the specific substance involved; therefore, a thorough assessment of the patient's condition is essential.

Management procedures should include supportive care and symptomatic treatment as necessary. Continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs and clinical status is recommended to address any complications that may arise.

In summary, swift action and appropriate medical guidance are vital in managing cases of overdosage effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. Temporary discomfort may occur, including symptoms such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge.

No relevant information is available regarding carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility. Additionally, there is no pertinent data provided in the context of animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience includes reports of adverse reactions such as nasal irritation, headache, and rebound congestion. These events have been reported voluntarily or identified through surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Instruct patients that if the product is swallowed, they should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Patients should be informed to stop using the product and consult a doctor if symptoms persist. When using this product, it is essential to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage; patients should not use more than directed and should not use it for more than three days. Emphasize that frequent or prolonged use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion.

Patients may experience temporary discomfort, including burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge. It is important to inform patients that using this container by more than one person may increase the risk of spreading infection.

Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before using this product if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that should be retained for future reference on full labeling. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Proper handling and storage conditions must be adhered to in order to maintain the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.