Oxymetazoline
/api/v1/drug/oxymetazolineMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action class: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDADirections Remove protective cap. Before using for the first time, prime the pump by firmly depressing its rim several times. Hold container with thumb at base and nozzle between first and second fingers. Without tilting your head, insert nozzle into nostril. Fully depress rim with a firm, even stroke and inhale deeply. adults & children 6 yrs. & older (with adult supervision): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours. children 2 to under 6 yrs.: ask a doctor children under 2 yrs.: do not use
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDAFor external use only; avoid contact with eyes. Do not use by mouth in nostrils on wounds or damaged skin with tight bandages Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease high blood pressure thyroid disease diabetes trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate gland When using this product, do not do not exceed recommended dosage do not use this product for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge may occur use of this container by more than one person may spread infection Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDAIf pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Jan 18, 2017NDANDA208552Mayne Pharma
- Jul 8, 2020NDANDA212520Rvl Pharms
FAERS reports
- 1Drug Dependence1,13115%
- 2Drug Ineffective76110%
- 3Headache4015.3%
- 4Dyspnoea3264.3%
- 5Off Label Use3234.3%
- 6Vision Blurred2933.9%
- 7Anosmia2873.8%
- 8Nausea2533.3%
- 9Eye Irritation2463.2%
- 10Fatigue2453.2%
- 11Product Use Issue2383.1%
- 12Ocular Hyperaemia2283.0%
- 13Dizziness2242.9%
- 14Pain2172.9%
- 15Diarrhoea1942.6%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Oxymetazoline as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Tissue Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Properties of Sympathomimetic Nasal Solutions for Potential Use in Dental Pulpal Management.Clinical and experimental dental research · 2025 · Jones RS, Garcia R, Mutreja I, et al.PMID 41369231DOI 10.1002/cre2.70259
- Eyelid Position and Patient-Reported Aesthetic Outcomes Following Administration of Topical Oxymetazoline: A Prospective Cohort Investigation.Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2025 · Kamboj A, Selim MM, Zelickson BD, et al.PMID 40911745DOI 10.36849/jdd.9061
- Topical Ophthalmic Oxymetazoline: A Promising Treatment Option for Ocular Synkinesis.Facial plastic surgery & aesthetic medicine · 2025 · Havens A, Vos D, Fritz M, et al.PMID 40876004DOI 10.1177/26893614251366992
- Effect of Clarithromycin Combined With Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Spray on Olfactory Function and Inflammatory Factors in Patients With Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica · 2025 · Jin K, Zhao Q, Chen Y, et al.PMID 40762040DOI 10.1111/apm.70055
- Efficacy and Safety of Oxymetazoline 1% Cream for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Facial Rosacea.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · Sajdeh F, Samadi A, Naeimifar A, et al.PMID 40165547DOI 10.1111/jocd.16782
- The use of oxymetazoline-based nasal solutions to remove bacteria-blood debris and eradicate Rothia dentocariosa: an artificial cavity model study.BMC oral health · 2025 · Kumar D, Pride M, Mukherjee K, et al.PMID 40148918DOI 10.1186/s12903-025-05791-z
- Comparison of the efficacy of oxymetazoline, tranexamic acid, and epinephrine-lidocaine combination in the treatment of epistaxis.The American journal of emergency medicine · 2025 · Çelik T, Altun M, Kudu E, et al.PMID 40023137DOI 10.1016/j.ajem.2025.02.036
- An Oxymetazoline-Based Nasal Solution Removes Bacteria-Blood Debris on Dental Surfaces and Has Antimicrobial Activity Toward Streptococcus mutans.International journal of molecular sciences · 2025 · Jones RS, Pride MA, Kumar D, et al.PMID 39941008DOI 10.3390/ijms26031242
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 783 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Oxymetazoline as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Olfactory BiopsiesRecruiting · Interventional · 125 enrolled · Duke UniversityNCT07021040updated 2026-06-12
- A Study to Learn More About How Well Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Gel Works and How Safe It Is in Healthy AdultsCompleted · Phase 2 · Interventional · 120 enrolled · BayerNCT07582328updated 2026-06-08
- Medial Arch-Support Wrestling Shoes and Foot Posture Preservation in Adolescent WrestlersCompleted · Interventional · 88 enrolled · Inonu UniversityNCT07632924updated 2026-06-08
- Reducing Red Blood Cell Transfusion Requirements for Adults Undergoing Surgical Resection of the Liver - A Quality Improvement ProjectNot yet recruiting · Observational · 60 enrolled · Dr. Glenio Mizubuti (MD, PhD, FRCPC)NCT07629648updated 2026-06-05
- Acute and Chronic Repercussion of Spinal Cord Stimulation After Spinal Cord InjuryRecruiting · Interventional · 80 enrolled · Mayo ClinicNCT07210411updated 2026-05-28
- Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Spinal Cord InjuryRecruiting · Interventional · 69 enrolled · Mayo ClinicNCT04493372updated 2026-05-28
- Longitudinal Autonomic Characterization as a Predictor for Secondary Medical Complications Post-SCIRecruiting · Interventional · 18 enrolled · Mayo ClinicNCT07210437updated 2026-05-28
- Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Multiple SclerosisRecruiting · Interventional · 13 enrolled · Mayo ClinicNCT07012135updated 2026-05-28
- The Choice of Vasopressor to Prevent Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury After Major Non-Cardiac SurgeryRecruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 18,000 enrolled · University of California, San FranciscoNCT06802224updated 2026-05-26
- Upneeq vs. Lumify PtosisNot yet recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 50 enrolled · Duke UniversityNCT07390578updated 2026-05-22
Frequently asked questions
- How does Oxymetazoline work?
- Mechanism-of-action class: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists.
- What is Oxymetazoline used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Oxymetazoline carries indications including: Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Oxymetazoline?
- Oxymetazoline is classified as Other dermatologicals, Sympathomimetics, combinations excl. corticosteroids, Sympathomimetics, plain, Sympathomimetics used as decongestants, Vasoconstrictor, Adrenergic alpha-Agonists, Conjunctival Arterial Vasoconstriction, Decreased Nasal and Sinus Secretions, Increased Sympathetic Activity, Vasoconstriction.
- What are the brand names for Oxymetazoline?
- Oxymetazoline is marketed under brand names including Afrin, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Dristan 12-Hour Nasal Spray, Duramist Plus, Four-Way, Kovanaze, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla.
oxymetazoline is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.