| AFRIN
Nasal Drops
Oxymetazoline 0.05%
Description:
Oxymetazoline is used for its
vasoconstrictor properties, acting on a-adrenoceptors. It is
used as a topical agent on the nasal mucosa where it causes
vasoconstriction of the arterioles thus reducing blood flow
and diminishing swelling of the mucosa. This results in improved
patency of the airways and better drainage of the sinuses.
Composition:
Afrin 0.05% Nasal Drops:
Each ml nasal drop contains Oxymetazoline HCl USP 0.5 mg.
Afrin 0.025% Paediatric
Nasal Drops: Each ml nasal drop contains Oxymetazoline
HCl USP 0.5 mg.
Indications:
1.
Allergic & infectious rhinitis
2.
Sinusitis
3.
Common cold
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 inhibitors, Tricyclic antidepressants.
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.
Also Oxymetazoline may result in short-lived rise in pressure,
followed by prolonged hypotension and sedation.
Use in Children:
Children under 5 years of age
should not use this medicine.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation:
Although it is not known whether
Oxymetazoline can cause fetal harm or affect reproduction capacity,
one study reported that, Oxymetazoline did not affect maternal
blood pressure and pulse rates, and therefore is safe in the
third trimester of a normal pregnancy. It is not known if this
agent is excreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised
when administering to a nursing mother.
Drug Interaction:
Oxymetazoline causes hypertensive
crisis if used simultaneously with MAO inhibitor or Tricyclic
antidepressants.
Packing:
Afrin 0.05% Nasal Drops:
Each bottle contains 10 ml nasal drops.
Afrin 0.025% Paediatric
Nasal Drops: Each bottle contains 10 ml nasal drops.
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