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Afrin Overdose
Taking too much Afrin could cause potentially serious problems. Some symptoms of an overdose may include vomiting, seizures, and coma. An overdose with Afrin may be more likely to cause serious problems if it was taken by mouth, which might happen accidentally with a young child or pet, rather than used as a nasal spray. Treatment options will involve supportive care.
from eMedTV.comIs It Possible to Take Too Much Afrin?
Afrin® (oxymetazoline nasal spray) is a non-prescription nasal spray approved to treat nasal congestion due to various causes, such as allergies or the common cold. It is a decongestant medication. In some cases, taking too much Afrin could cause serious problems.- Pinpoint pupils
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Shakiness
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure or high blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Severe drowsiness
- Cold body temperature
- Decreased breathing
- Seizures
- An irregular heart rhythm
- Coma.
An overdose may be more likely to cause serious problems if it was taken by mouth, which might happen accidentally with a young child or pet, rather than used as a nasal spray.
Treating an Afrin Overdose
Even if the overdose with Afrin was taken by mouth, it is not usually recommended to induce vomiting or pump the stomach, as the medication is absorbed too quickly. Therefore, treatment (if necessary) likely will include supportive care, which consists of treating any of the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For instance, medications may be given to increase the heart rate and blood pressure, if necessary.It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Afrin.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD