Nasal Decongestant

Description

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% is a nasal decongestant formulated for topical administration. Each unit contains 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of the solution.

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 mentioned in the available data.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 6 to under 12 years, under adult supervision, may receive 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. For children under 6 years of age, consultation with a physician is recommended prior to use.

Prior to administration, the product should be shaken well. To prepare the device for use, hold the white tabs, firmly squeeze the grooved area of the cap, and turn it counterclockwise. Before the initial use, the metered pump must be primed by firmly depressing the pump several times.

For application, the bottle should be held 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. A firm, even stroke should be used to fully depress the rim while simultaneously sniffing deeply. 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 the directed dosage or for a duration exceeding 3 days, as prolonged use may lead to the recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion.

• The product should not be used by multiple individuals from the same container to prevent the risk of infection transmission.

Warnings and Precautions

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when recommending this product, particularly in patients with specific underlying health conditions. It is imperative to consult a physician prior to use in individuals with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or urinary difficulties stemming from an enlarged prostate gland.

When administering this product, adherence to the recommended dosage is crucial. 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. In cases of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

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.

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

Drug Interactions

There are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions identified in the available data. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary at this time.

Packaging & NDC

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

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 no more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours. It is important not to exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period. For children under 6 years of age, consultation with a doctor is advised prior to 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 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 may use this medication to temporarily relieve nasal congestion associated with common cold, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies, as well as to alleviate sinus congestion and pressure. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, healthcare professionals should weigh the potential benefits against any risks when considering its use in lactating mothers.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use if they experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. This precaution is essential to ensure appropriate management and monitoring of their condition, as reduced kidney function may influence the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of the medication.

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 assistance is crucial. If the product is ingested, healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. The national Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Prompt intervention is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are recommended to ensure patient safety and effective resolution of any complications arising from the overdosage.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data in these areas limits the understanding of the compound's potential effects in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that temporary discomfort, including symptoms such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge, may occur following use. Additionally, it has been reported that the use of this container by more than one person may facilitate the spread of infection.

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 at 1-800-222-1222.

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 and duration. Patients should not use more than directed and should not use the product 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 packaging that includes specific NDC numbers, which should be referenced as needed. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy.

Healthcare professionals are advised to retain the carton for future reference regarding the full labeling information, which may be necessary for proper usage and handling of the product. Special handling requirements should be observed to maintain the integrity of the product throughout its storage period.

Additional Clinical Information

The route of administration for the medication is nasal. For adults and children aged 6 to under 12 years, it is recommended to administer 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 doses in any 24-hour period. For children under 6 years of age, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)