How many times a day can I use Afrin nasal spray?
In brief: Afrin (oxymetazoline) can be used everu 10 to 12 hours (max twice a day) for three days (5 days at max).
Why is Afrin bad for You?
- Blurred vision
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
- high blood pressure
- increase in runny or stuffy nose
- nervousness
- trembling
- trouble in sleeping
- weakness
How long to use Afrin?
Oxymetazoline may also cause some other unwanted effects if used for long:
- Temporary burning, stinging, and dryness in the nose
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Slow/fast/pounding heartbeat
- High blood pressure and lightheadedness
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Trouble sleeping and dizziness
- Tremors and visual disturbances
Is it safe to use Afrin?
You should not use Afrin if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially: heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease; diabetes; a thyroid disorder; or. enlarged prostate or urination problems. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Afrin will harm an unborn baby.
What happens if you use Afrin for more than 3 days?
If a nasal decongestant spray is a fixture in your medication lineup, it's important to know that using these sprays for more than three consecutive days can actually worsen your congestion. "This side effect of nasal decongestant sprays is called rebound congestion," says Dr.
What happens when you use Afrin too long?
DNSs are supposed to be used for a maximum of three days. If you use them longer than that, they can cause rebound congestion. Doctors call this rhinitis medicamentosa. It means congestion caused by medication.
Is Afrin safe for long-term use?
Afrin should not be used for the long-term relief of nasal congestion, as the overuse of Afrin beyond a few days may lead to rebound congestion. If you suffer from chronic nasal congestion, you may wish to pursue alternative prescription therapy with the use of a nasal corticosteroid.
How long can you use Afrin without rebound?
Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than three days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day.
Can Afrin ruin your nose?
Eventually, the duration of action of the nasal spray decreases, so it must be used more and more frequently for the same effect. If the medicine is used long-term (months to years), permanent damage to the nose may occur. Once a nasal decongestant spray addiction has taken hold, it is tough to break on one's own.
Is Flonase better than Afrin?
Is Afrin or Flonase better? Afrin provides a faster response to congestion with an onset of action within 10 minutes. It is not recommended for use longer than three days, however. Flonase is slower to relieve congestion symptoms but can be used safely long term.
How do I come off Afrin?
Rebound congestion treatment The best way to break the cycle of Afrin addiction, Dr. Besser advises, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. “Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers,” she says. “One can use a nasal steroid (such as Flonase) to help limit the symptoms while the body recovers.
What can I use instead of Afrin?
Sudafed Congestion.Sudafed 12-Hour.Oxymetazoline nasal.Claritin-D.Sudafed PE Congestion.Saline Nasal Mist.
Does Afrin affect your heart?
Most topical nasal decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, and naphazoline) also carry the warning against use by patients with heart disease and high blood pressure, due to the possibility that some of the chemical might be absorbed and reach blood levels that would endanger their health.
Is rebound congestion permanent?
Rebound congestion often goes away once you stop using decongestant nasal sprays, but abruptly stopping the medication cold turkey can cause more congestion and swelling. Some people may benefit from decreasing the use of decongestants gradually.
What happens if you use nasal spray too much?
Overuse of nasal sprays can also lead to other side effects, including headache, coughing, nasal passage swelling (inflammation), increased risk of sinus infection, and, rarely, tears in the nostril membranes. Don't let that scare you from getting the relief you need.
What happens if you use nasal spray for a week?
After the medicine wears off, the nasal tissue swells again. Sometimes it swells even more than before. If the person continues to use it, this swelling can get more severe and lead to permanent swelling of the tissue. Long-term use of these sprays can also damage the tissue, causing infection and pain.
Uses of Afrin Nasal Spray
1. It is used to treat nose stuffiness. 2. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What Do I Need to Tell My Doctor Before I Take Afrin Nasal Spray?
1. If you have an allergy to oxymetazoline or any other part of Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)). 2. If you are allergic to any drugs like...
What Are Some Things I Need to Know Or Do While I Take Afrin Nasal Spray?
1. Tell all of your health care providers that you take Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists,...
How Is This Medicine (Afrin Nasal Spray) Best Taken?
Use Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. 1. Do...
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...
What Are Some Other Side Effects of Afrin Nasal Spray?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...
How Do I Store and/or Throw Out Afrin Nasal Spray?
1. Store at room temperature. 2. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. 3. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the rea...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Afrin if you are allergic to it.Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to m...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.Keep this medic...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Afrin?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Afrin if you are also using any of the following drugs: 1. an antidepressant--amitriptyline...
How long can you use Afrin?
Do not use Afrin products for more than three days. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen. If you still need a nasal decongestant after using Afrin for 3 days, please consult your healthcare professional. In addition:
What is the best nasal spray for allergies?
No Drip formulas come in a pump mist bottle and won’t drip down your nose or throat. Nasal Sprays come in a squeeze bottle – though you can get Afrin Original as either a pump mist or a spray. Each one works instantly and provides up to 12 hours of nasal congestion relief due to cold or allergies: 1 The Night product is specifically formulated with a soothing chamomile scent. The glycerin in Afrin moisturizes your nasal passage. 2 Severe Congestion products provide a maximum strength formula with the aromatic power of menthol. 3 Extra Moisturizing products contain glycerin that soothes and moisturizes dry irritated nasal passages. 4 Allergy Sinus products provide fast, powerful relief from your nasal and sinus congestion due to cold or allergies.
How to open a spray bottle?
Here’s how to open either cap – spray or pump mist. TO OPEN: Place bottom of bottle on flat surface. Push firmly down on cap and turn counter. clockwise. Secure cap after use. For questions regarding the child-resistant packaging, please contact us at: 1-800-317-2165. TO OPEN:
Does Afrin nasal spray drip?
No Drip formulas come in a pump mist bottle and won’t drip down your nose or throat. Nasal Sprays come in a squeeze bottle – though you can get Afrin Original as either a pump mist or a spray. Each one works instantly and provides up to 12 hours of nasal congestion relief due to cold or allergies:
Does Afrin help with allergies?
Afrin helps relieve nasal congestion from colds and allergies – whether indoor or outdoor allergens. You may still have other allergy symptoms – itchy, watery eyes, for example – that Afrin doesn’t treat, so remember to talk to your healthcare professional before using Afrin in addition to other medicines.
How long does it take to get over Afrin nasal spray?
Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be relatively easily managed. As always, much love for supporting my work.
How long does afrin last?
Immediate, or near immediate gratification! Afrin nose spray can provide relief within about 10 minutes and can last up to 12 hours. Oral decongestants, like Sudafed, start working within about 30 minutes and provide relief for 6 to 24 hours. But decongestants are all meant to only be short term treatments.
What is the name of the decongestant that is used to treat congestion in the nose?
Another commonly used decongestant is one that we take by mouth, and it is called Sudafed. People often reach for Afrin nose spray when they have nasal congestion which is caused by dilated blood vessels in the tissues of the nose.
What is nasal spray?
A nasal spray is any kind of medication that’s inhaled through the nose, and the 4 basic categories include: Decongestants –which we will talk about in a minute. Steroids — like Flonase and Nasacort for chronic nose problems.
Why hide afrin nose spray?
Pro-tip: Please hide the Afrin nose spray from kids because they learn that it helps them to sleep at night, so they will self-medicate. I have treated more than my fair share of teens who use Afrin every other night because they cannot tolerate the withdrawal symptoms!
Why does nasal spray cause rebound congestion?
Physicians often call this complication “rebound nasal congestion” because the nasal swelling will rebound back , often worse than it was before using the spray. The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa, This severe rebound congestion can only be improved by continuing to use the nasal spray.
Why do people use decongestants?
The swollen tissue makes it difficult to breathe and can lead to symptoms such as headache, ear infection, nose bleeds, sinus infections, and many other problems. Decongestants work very quickly, which is why people love to use them. Immediate, or near immediate gratification!
How long should you keep nasal spray?
Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray. Do not use the nasal spray more than 2 times in 24 hours. Wipe the tip of the spray bottle with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
How long does it take for a nasal spray to clear up?
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.
What is afrin for?
Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold.
How to spread a nasal spray bottle?
Blow your nose gently. Tilt your head back as far as possible, or lie down and hang your head over the side of a bed. Hold the dropper over your nose and place the correct number of drops into your nose.
How to know if you are allergic to Afrin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Afrin and call your doctor at once if you have: ongoing or worsening symptoms; severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray;
Why do you need to stop using Afrin?
Afrin (for the nose) is used for temporary relief of nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold. Stop using Afrin and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening symptoms, or if you have severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray.
What happens if you spray your nose?
severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray; chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or. severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath. Common side effects may include: mild burning or stinging of the nose; sneezing; or. runny nose.
What are the side effects of afrin?
Afrin users rarely report allergic side effects. However, temporary side effects are common, especially if too much Afrin is sprayed into nostrils. Possible side effects of Afrin use include: 1 Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues 2 Runny nose 3 Sneezing due to irritation (sneezing stops after irritation diminishes)
What is the purpose of afrin?
Afrin is a popular nasal spray used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion due to colds, allergies and sinusitis. Afrin contains water and a chemical called oxymetazoline, a topical decongestant exerting vasoconstricting properties. Vasoconstricting agents cause narrowing of blood vessels and capillaries.
What is a flonase nasal spray?
Flonase is a nasal spray prescribed by doctors for relieving symptoms of allergies and sinusitis. Belonging to the corticosteroid class of drugs, Flonase works differently than Afrin. In addition to reducing inflammation, Flonase also blocks the irritating effects of pollen, dust, mold and pet dander.
How long does it take for saline to work on nasal passages?
Although saline solutions are non-habit-forming and won’t cause a rebound effect, the relief you feel after spraying saline and water onto your nasal passages is a short 30 to 45 minutes. Fortunately, you can use saline nasal sprays as much as you want without harming nasal tissues.
Does Afrin cause nasal spray addiction?
The rebound effect caused by Afrin overuse is not an addiction to nasal sprays. Rebound congestion that occurs when you stop using Afrin doesn’t require professional intervention by experienced addiction counselors. Nor does it require medical detoxification to rid the body of harmful drugs.
Is Afrin a rebound?
Afrin-caused rebound congestion is not a form of addiction. Instead, suffering recurring nasal congestion due to overuse of Afrin is a physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline. The nasal spray rebound effect has no psychological component. People don’t crave Afrin the way they would a chemically dependent ...
Can you stop taking Afrin?
Your ability to stop using Afrin depends on how you can handle several days of a stuffy nose and being unable to breathe normally. Since the rebound effect isn’t an addiction, you can withdraw from daily Afrin use at home safely. One way to defeat rebound congestion is to simply go cold turkey.
Answers
I called the Afrin customer service line (1.800.317.2165) and they told me after you use Afrin 3 days in a row you have to wait 48 hours, then you can use it 3 days in a row one more time only. After that they said you must consult a physician. I tried to press them for anything further but thats all they gave me.
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How long can you use Afrin?
Rebound congestion is common with many nasal sprays and they are recommended for only 3-4 days of use in a row. With continuous use, Afrin can actually start to create the problems it’s used to relieve. Rebound congestion happens when the nasal linings swell up, creating congestion.
Why do people use nasal spray?
This leads individuals to using the spray more frequently to relieve the congestion, resulting in a vicious cycle and nasal spray reliance. Because vasoconstrictors constantly starve the nose of nutrients and oxygen, the body will compensate by enlarging the veins in the nose, which creates a daily cycle of congestion and dependence on the spray.
What is the name of the nasal decongestant spray?
These types of nasal decongestant sprays are called vasoconstrictors. While Afrin can be very effective, it comes with quite a few side effects. It can cause temporary burning, stinging, dryness, runny nose, and sneezing.
Can nasal sprays cause congestion?
However, one of the main side effects is rebound congestion, also commonly referred to as nasal spray addiction. Since this is such a common side effect in nasal decongestant sprays, the FDA and health care professionals recommend only using them only as directed.
Is saline nasal spray addictive?
Many use them every day, morning and night. Because a saline nasal spray contains natural ingredients, there are no addictive side effects to worry about. A saline nasal spray with xylitol, like the one from Xlear, helps keep the nasal linings moisturized, healthy and clean thanks to the addition of xylitol. Dangers of Afrin Nasal Spray.
Can you use a nasal spray with xylitol?
physician who took care of President Clinton’s allergy problems. Rather than using a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin, opt for a natural saline nasal spray with xylitol. A saline nasal spray is safe to use multiple times a day for as many days in ...
Is Afrin a good nasal spray?
Dangers of Afrin Nasal Spray. Afrin is one of the most popular nasal sprays on the market. Afrin and other similar nasal sprays work by stimulating the receptors in the smooth muscle of the blood vessels of the nose. It causes these blood vessels to constrict, which reduces nasal congestion.
Does Afrin cause side effects?
Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Does Oxymetazoline nasal spray need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of oxymetazoline nasal may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some ...
What happens if you stop spraying?
When you stop the spray you get headaches, sleep trouble, restlessness, and anxiety. You can take these steps to avoid getting hooked. Try other decongestants. Oral antihistamines and decongestants -- which you take by mouth -- have a different mix of chemical ingredients and don’t all bring the same risks.
How to get rid of stuffy airways?
Use a nasal saline (like a nasal rinse or Neti pot ).They can flush out stuffy airways. Cut the cord. Don’t use a spray more than once every 12 hours, or longer than 3 days. How to End the Cycle. There’s only one permanent solution -- you have to stop using the nasal spray.
Does Marianne McCall use nasal spray?
Yes. Just ask Marianne McCall. A few allergy seasons back, she thought her seasonal congestion might never end. In April, she’d begun to use a topical nasal-spray decongestant. The over-the-counter (OTC) drug worked like a charm. By summer, she was still using the spray daily. Yet it was helping for shorter and shorter periods.
Can spray decongestant cause sinusitis?
The longer you use a spray decongestant, the more likely you are to get the rebound phenomenon. It can lead to chronic sinusitis and other serious, long-term problems. Give your doctor a call if you're having any of these issues: It’s all in your nose.
Can nasal spray cause allergies?
If you’re stopped up all the time, it’s not likely an allergy. The spray doesn’ t help. Your congestion is getting worse, even though you’ve increased the nasal spray dose and how often you use it. You have symptoms of withdrawal. When you stop the spray you get headaches, sleep trouble, restlessness, and anxiety.
