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 if 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.
How long can you use Afrin without rebound?
Context In most countries, the use of topical nasal decongestants is limited to a maximum of 10 days because of the risk of developing rebound mucosal swelling and rhinitis medicamentosa.
Can I use Afrin for 4 days?
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline) have a clear warning: “Do not use for more than three days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.”
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.
How do I stop Afrin rebounding?
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. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.
Is it OK to use Afrin every night?
IS IT SAFE TO USE AFRIN EVERY DAY? 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.
What happens if you overuse nasal spray?
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.
Why can u only use Afrin for 3 days?
Afrin nasal spray should not be used for more than three days at a time to avoid the development of a condition called rebound congestion (or rhinitis medicamentosa).
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...
What Is Afrin?
Afrin is a popular nasal spray used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion due to colds, allergies and sinusitis. Afrin contains water and a chemi...
How Does Afrin Compare to Other Nasal Decongestants?
While Afrin uses oxymetazoline to relieve congestion, other brand-name decongestant nasal sprays like 4-Way and Neo-Synephrine use phenylephrine hy...
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....
What Is the Rebound Effect Caused by Afrin?
Rhinitis medicamentosa is the clinical term for rebound congestion, a major problem caused by excessive and lengthy use of Afrin. This rebound effe...
Is Flonase Addictive Like Afrin?
Flonase is a nasal spray prescribed by doctors for relieving symptoms of allergies and sinusitis. Belonging to the corticosteroid class of drugs, F...
What Happens If You Can’t Stop Using Afrin Because of Rebound Congestion?
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 reboun...
What Is the Clinical Definition of a Substance or Behavioral Addiction?
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Substance addiction is a chronic, treatable medical disease that involves complex interac...
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.
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.
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.
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 is my nose stuffy?
I need to always emphasize that you should have a clear explanation for the reason your nose is stuffy before beginning treatment. Viral infections and colds are some of the most common reasons that people need to find relief for nasal congestion.
What to do if you swallow afrin nasal spray?
If Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) is swallowed or too much is used, call a doctor or poison control center right away. Talk with the doctor before you give Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) to a child younger than 6 years old. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
How long can you use afrin nasal spray?
Do not use for more than 3 days. Using Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) too often or for longer than you have been told may cause nose stuffiness to happen again or get worse. This medicine may cause harm if swallowed or if too much is used. The chance is higher in children.
What are the side effects of afrin nasal spray?
Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Nose irritation. Sneezing.
What to do if you think you have an overdose?
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Can you take afrin twice at the same time?
If you use Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Many times Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) ...
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can you take afrin nasal spray by mouth?
Follow all instructions closely. Do not take Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn). Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.
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 to get rid of rebound congestion?
One way to defeat rebound congestion is to simply go cold turkey. Most long-term Afrin users cannot do this because having a stuffy nose 24/7 is just uncomfortable and interferes with eating, sleeping and work tasks. Saline solutions may help ease the side effects of rebound congestion and get you through the worst days.
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.
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 substance addiction?
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Substance addiction is a chronic, treatable medical disease that involves complex interactions among genetics, chemicals in the brain, a person’s environment and a person’s life experiences.
Does Afrin have a vasoconstricting agent?
While Afrin uses oxymetazoline to relieve congestion, other brand-name nasal decongestants like 4-Way and Neo-Synephrine use phenylephrine hydrochloride, another vasoconstricting agent that decreases swelling and congestion. Since both oxymetazoline and phenylephrine hydrochloride are vasoconstrictors, the difference between Afrin ...
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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