AFRIN Nasal drop
Therapeutic Class
Nasal Decongestants & Other Nasal Preparations
Indications
Nasal congestion associated with Fs ® Allergic & Infectious Rhinitis ® Sinusitis ® Common cold
Chemical Composition
Afrin Nasal Drops: Each ml nasal drop contains Oxymetazoline HCI USP 0.5 mg.
Afrin Paediatric Nasal Drops: Each ml nasal drop contains Oxymetazoline HCI USP 0.25 mg.
Preservative: Benzalkonium Chloride Solution BP 0.02%.
Packaging
10 ml / Bot
Dosage & Administration
2 to 3 drops should be instilled into each nostril twice daily. The drops should be instilled into the nose, one nostril at a time, in the head-low position to reduce the risk of the patient swallowing any of the solution.Treatment course should not normally exceed 3 to 5 days and on no account should it be continued for longer than 2 weeks.
Contraindications
MAO inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant.
Side Effects
Stinging, discomfort or a dryness locally in the nose are encountered infrequently. Headache has also been reported. Prolonged use may lead to rebound vasodilatation (drug-induced rhinitis). Overuse may result in sedation in children. Oxymetazoline may also result in short-lived rise “in pressure, followed by prolonged hypotension and sedation.
Drug Interaction
Oxymetazoline causes hypertensive crisis if used simultaneously with MAO inhibitor or tricyclic antidepressant.