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Afrin

oxymetazoline hydrochloride · Afrin is an over-the-counter drug containing oxymetazoline hydrochloride, made by Navajo Manufacturing Company Inc..

Type
Over the counter
Drug class
Not classified
Route
Topical
Manufacturers
1
+ 1 repackager labels

temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to: common cold hay fever upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely

Related recalls

FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient

All drug recalls

Active ingredients

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% Purpose Nasal decongestant

Purpose

Nasal decongestant

Uses

Temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to: common cold hay fever upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely

Directions

Adults and children 6 to under 12 years of age (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 any 24-hour period. children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor. To spray, squeeze bottle quickly and firmly. Do not tilt head backward while spraying. Wipe nozzle clean after use.

Warnings

Ask a doctor before use if you have

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disease
  • Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland When using this product do not use more than directed do not use 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 an increase in 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.

Ask a doctor before use

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disease
  • Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

When using this product

Do not use more than directed do not use 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 an increase in nasal discharge may occur use of this container by more than one person may spread infection

Stop use and ask a doctor

Symptoms persist

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

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.

Inactive ingredients

Benzalkonium chloride solution, edetate disodium, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate monobasic

Questions?

Call 1-800-317-2165, M-F 8am-5pm

Forms and strengths

From the FDA NDC Directory · 1 product codes

Dosage formStrengthRouteNDCs
Spray.05 g/100mLtopical1

Side effect reports to FDA

FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), 5,039 reports that list oxymetazoline hydrochloride, data through 07/30/2026

Anyone can report a problem to FDA, and a report does not mean the drug caused the problem. Reports can be duplicated or incomplete, and counts depend on how widely a drug is used. Do not stop or change a medicine because of this list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Most often reported reactions

  • Drug dependence1,129
  • Drug ineffective375
  • Anosmia285
  • Dyspnea262
  • Headache206
  • Product use issue202
  • Fatigue186
  • Nausea184
  • Ageusia182
  • Diarrhea158

To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.

Manufacturers and labels

1 FDA label · 1 from repackagers

    Repackager labels (1)
    • Navajo Manufacturing Company Inc.10/02/2024

    Afrin: common questions

    What is Afrin used for?
    temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to: common cold hay fever upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely
    Is Afrin a prescription drug?
    No. Afrin is sold over the counter (OTC) without a prescription.
    Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Afrin?
    Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include nasal, Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride, No Drip Nasal Mist, 12 Hour Original Nasal Decongestant.
    Who makes Afrin?
    Navajo Manufacturing Company Inc. lists Afrin with the FDA.

    Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 10/02/2024 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice

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