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Afrin No Drip

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Active ingredient
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.05 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Drug class
Vasoconstrictor
Dosage form
Spray, Metered
Route
Nasal
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2000
Label revision date
December 5, 2025
Active ingredient
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.05 g/100 mL
Other brand names
Drug class
Vasoconstrictor
Dosage form
Spray, Metered
Route
Nasal
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2000
Label revision date
December 5, 2025
Manufacturer
Bayer HealthCare LLC
Registration number
M012
NDC root
11523-1350

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If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

Drug Overview

Afrin is a nasal decongestant that contains oxymetazoline HCl, designed to provide temporary relief from nasal congestion caused by common colds, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. It works by shrinking swollen nasal membranes, allowing you to breathe more freely. Additionally, Afrin helps relieve sinus congestion and pressure, offering fast and powerful relief that can last for up to 12 hours.

This product is known for its NoDrip formula, which means it won't drip from your nose or down your throat, making it a convenient option for those experiencing severe congestion. Afrin is the #1 recommended nasal spray brand by doctors and pharmacists, and it comes in a 1/2 FL OZ (15 mL) pump mist for easy application.

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, making it easier for you to breathe. Additionally, it can relieve sinus congestion and pressure, helping you feel more comfortable.

Dosage and Administration

Before using this medication, make sure to shake the bottle well. If it’s your first time using it, you’ll need to prepare the spray by removing the protective cap and priming the pump. To do this, press the pump down firmly several times until you see a fine mist.

For adults and children aged 6 to under 12 years, you can use 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, but remember not to do this more often than 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. When spraying, hold the bottle with your thumb at the base and your fingers on the nozzle. Insert the nozzle into the nostril without tilting your head, press down firmly on the rim, and sniff deeply. After using, make sure to wipe the nozzle clean.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this medication responsibly to ensure your safety and well-being. You should not use it for more than three days, and always follow the directions provided. Using it more than directed or for an extended period can lead to a return or worsening of nasal congestion.

To protect yourself, avoid using this medication in a way that exceeds the recommended dosage. This will help prevent any potential issues related to misuse or dependence (which means relying on a substance in a way that can be harmful). Always prioritize your health by adhering to these guidelines.

Side Effects

When using this product, you may experience temporary discomfort, which can include sensations like burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge. These side effects are generally mild and should not last long.

However, if your symptoms persist, it’s important to stop using the product and consult a 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 dose or use it for more than three days. Overuse can lead to worsening nasal congestion, and you may experience temporary discomfort like burning, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge. Additionally, sharing this product with others can spread infections.

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

Overdose

It's important to keep this medication out of reach of children. If a child accidentally swallows it, you should seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center.

In case of an overdose, you may notice symptoms such as unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. If you or someone else experiences these signs, it's crucial to get emergency assistance right away. Always prioritize safety and act quickly in these situations.

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

If you have a child under 6 years old, it's important to consult a doctor before using this medication. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, you can use it with adult supervision. The recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, but make sure to space these doses at least 10 to 12 hours apart. Additionally, do not give more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period to ensure your child's safety. Always follow these guidelines to help protect your child's health.

Geriatric Use

When it comes to using this medication in older adults, there is no specific information available about dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. This means that if you or a loved one is an older adult, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can help determine the best approach based on individual health needs and any other medications being taken. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the information provided does not include specific guidelines for dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations related to renal impairment (kidney issues). This means that there are no tailored recommendations for how your treatment may need to change based on your kidney function.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that your treatment plan is safe and effective for your specific situation. They can help monitor your kidney health and make any necessary adjustments to your medications.

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 (issues with liver function).

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 recent lab tests to avoid any potential issues. Your health and safety should always come first.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). 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 about the product's 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

You will use this medication through your nose (nasal administration). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using this product. Always keep it out of reach of children, and if a child accidentally swallows it, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

FAQ

What is Afrin?

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

What conditions does Afrin temporarily 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 should I use Afrin?

Shake well before use. For adults and children aged 6 to under 12, use 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril every 10 to 12 hours, not exceeding 2 doses in 24 hours.

Are there any side effects of using Afrin?

Temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge may occur.

What should I do if symptoms persist?

Stop using Afrin and ask a doctor if symptoms persist.

Can I use Afrin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

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

How should Afrin be stored?

Store Afrin between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) and retain the carton for future reference.

Is there a risk of dependence or abuse with Afrin?

There are no specified risks of dependence or abuse associated with Afrin.

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.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Afrin No Drip (oxymetazoline hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Afrin No Drip.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Afrin No Drip, 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 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 important not to exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period. For children under 6 years of age, consultation with a physician is recommended prior to use.

Prior to administration, the bottle should be shaken well. For first-time use, the protective cap must be removed from the tip, and the metered pump should be primed by firmly depressing the pump several times. To administer the spray, the healthcare professional should instruct the patient to hold the bottle with the thumb at the base and the nozzle positioned between the first and second fingers. The nozzle should be inserted into the nostril without tilting the head. The rim should be fully depressed with a firm, even stroke while the patient sniffs deeply. After use, the nozzle should be wiped clean to maintain hygiene.

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications identified for this product. However, it is essential to adhere to the following usage guidelines:

  • Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

  • Do not use for more than three consecutive days. Prolonged or frequent use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion.

These precautions are critical to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

Warnings and Precautions

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when recommending this product, particularly in patients with specific underlying health conditions. Prior to use, it is imperative to consult a physician if the patient has a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

When administering this product, it is essential to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. Patients should not exceed the directed use and should limit application to a maximum of three consecutive days. Prolonged or frequent use may lead to a rebound effect, resulting in worsened nasal congestion. Users may experience temporary discomfort, including burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge. Additionally, it is important to note that sharing this product among multiple users may facilitate the spread of infection.

Healthcare providers should instruct patients to discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist. Furthermore, it is critical to keep this product out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center is advised.

Side Effects

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

If symptoms persist, patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there are no known 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 No Drip (oxymetazoline hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Afrin No Drip.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 6 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, administered no more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours. It is important not to exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period. Adult supervision is advised during administration for this age group.

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 adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, 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. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits, as well as any available data regarding fetal outcomes and lactation. Healthcare providers can offer guidance tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring the safety of both the patient and the developing fetus or nursing infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in 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 have not been specifically addressed in the available prescribing information. There are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or safety considerations outlined for individuals with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of data when prescribing to this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no 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, it is imperative to keep the product out of reach of children. Should ingestion occur, immediate medical assistance is required. Healthcare professionals are advised to contact a Poison Control Center without delay to ensure appropriate management and intervention.

Prompt action is crucial in mitigating potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. The symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage any clinical manifestations that arise.

In summary, the key steps in managing an overdosage situation include securing the product away from children, seeking immediate medical help, and contacting a Poison Control Center for guidance on further actions.

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

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert.

Patient Counseling

Advise patients to keep this product out of reach of children. Instruct them that if the product is swallowed, they should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Inform patients that they should stop using the product and consult a doctor if symptoms persist. When using this product, it is important to emphasize that they should not exceed the directed dosage and should not use it for more than three days. Frequent or prolonged use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion. Patients may experience temporary discomfort, such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge.

Caution patients that the use of this container by more than one person may spread infection. Additionally, advise them to consult a doctor before using the 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 packaging that includes specific NDC numbers, which should be referenced for identification. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy.

Healthcare professionals are advised to retain the carton for future reference regarding the full labeling information. Proper handling and storage conditions are crucial to ensure the product remains effective throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

The route of administration for the medication is nasal. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children; if ingested, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Afrin No Drip, 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 No Drip, 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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Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

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.