Oxymet 0.05% Nasal Drops

Indications

The medication oxymetazoline hydrochloride is used to treat nasal congestion caused by acute or chronic rhinitis, the common cold, sinusitis, upper respiratory allergies, epistaxis, and hay fever. It is also utilized as a nasal decongestant in the treatment of otitis media.

Pharmacology

Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine that is an imidazoline derivative. It acts as a direct agonist on -adrenoceptors but has no effect on -adrenoceptors. When applied topically to the nasal mucosa, it causes fast and long-acting vasoconstriction of the arterioles, lowering blood flow and decreasing mucosal edema. This improves the potency of the airway and the drainage of the nasal sinuses.

Dosage 

Oxymetazoline nasal spray-

• Adults and children (6 years of age and older): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril twice daily for 3-5 days.
• Elderly: There is no need for dosage reduction in the elderly for nasal administration.
• Children below 6 years of age: It is not suitable for children below 6 years of age.

Oxymetazoline nasal drop-

• Adults & children 6 years of age: 2-3 drops of 0.05% Nasal Drops in each nostril twice daily in the morning and evening.
• Children 2-5 years of age: 2-3 drops of 0.025% Nasal Drops in each nostril twice daily in the morning and evening

Administration

How to use the Nasal Spray-

Shake the bottle gently and remove the dust cover.

Hold the spray with your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle and your thumb underneath the bottle. Press down until a fine spray appears. If using it for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or more, press the nasal applicator several times until a fine moist comes out from the container.

Gently blow the nose to clear the nostrils.

Close one nostril and carefully insert the nasal applicator into the open nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the spray upright. Breathe in through your nose and while breathing in, press the white collar of the nasal applicator firmly down once to release a spray.

Breathe out through your mouth.

Repeat the above steps in the same/another nostril for consecutive doses.

Cleaning: The nasal spray should be cleaned at least once a week. The procedures are as follows-

Remove the dust cover.

Gently pull off the nasal applicator.

Wash the applicator and dust cover in warm water.

Shake off the excess water and leave it to dry in a normal place. Avoid applying additional heat.

Gently push the applicator back on the top of the bottle and re-fix the dust cover.

Interaction

Patients using MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of discontinuing such treatment should not be administered Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Nasal preparation.

Contraindications

It is not recommended for people who have a cardiovascular illness, hyperthyroidism, prostatic enlargement, angle closure glaucoma or are allergic to any of its components.

Side Effects

It may cause local irritation and dryness of the mouth and throat on rare occasions. It is possible to have temporary pain such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Nasal Spray during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been proven, although it is not considered a risk during those times.

Precautions & Warnings

Keep your hands away from your eyes. Without medical guidance, the spray should not be used for more than seven days. Nasal congestion may reoccur or worsen if used often or for an extended period of time.

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30° C in a dry location and away from light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep out of children's reach.