Oxymetazoline

Indications & Dose:

Nasal congestion; eye redness due to minor eye irritations

DOSAGE

Adult and Child > 6 yr

• NASAL 2-3 gtt of sprays of 0.05% sol instilled into each nostril bid: do not exceed 3-5 days duration

• CONJUNCTIVAL 1 gtt q6h: do not exceed 3-4 days duration

Child 2-5 yr

• NASAL 2-3 gtt of 0.025% sol instilled into each nostril bid: do not exceed 3-5 days duration

Contraindications:

Angleclosure glaucoma 

Side Effects:

Cautions:

Precautions:

Children < 2 yr, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus

Interaction:

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Pregnancy category C

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

CNS: Dizziness, headache, nervousness, weakness
CV: Cardiac irregularities, hypertension
EENT: Anosmia; blurred vision, dryness, increased or decreased intraocular pressure; irritation, mild transient stinging, mydriasis, rebound congestion/ hyperemia (“rhinitis medicamentosa”), sneezing, stinging, transient burning, ulceration of nasal mucosa
GI: Nausea
SKIN: Sweating
MISC: Breast tenderness, change in breast size, gynecomastia

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Manage rebound congestion by stopping oxymetazoline; one nostril at a time, substitute systemic decongestant, substitute inhaled steroid

PATIENT/FAMILY EDUCATION

• Do not use for > 3-5 days or rebound congestion may occur

Patient And Carer Advice: