Who Makes This Medication?
Afrin is manufactured by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.
The active ingredient in Afrin is part of a group of drugs called decongestants. Specifically, it works by stimulating certain receptors known as alpha-adrenergic receptors. In the lining of the nasal passages, this action causes the blood vessels to constrict, allowing less fluid to leave the blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. This helps to relieve nasal congestion.
When and How to Take Afrin
Some general considerations for those using Afrin include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of a nasal spray. It is sprayed into each nostril twice daily.
- Afrin products come in a spray bottle or a pump mist bottle. Some people may prefer one over the other for various reasons.
- The pump mist products should be shaken well before each use.
- The pump mist products need to be primed by depressing the pump several times before the first use. The spray bottle products do not need to be primed.
- Do not tip your head when using these products.
- In order to prevent spreading infections, do not share Afrin nasal spray with other people.
- For Afrin to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this product. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Just like any medicine, Afrin can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
- Temporary burning or stinging
- Sneezing
- Worsening of congestion with prolonged use (see Afrin Addiction).
(Click Afrin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Afrin if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with this medication could potentially cause serious problems. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Afrin Be Stored?
Afrin should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Afrin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Several different Afrin products are available, although they all contain the same active ingredient (oxymetazoline 0.05%). These products include:
- Afrin No Drip Original
- Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion
- Afrin No Drip Extra Moisturizing
- Afrin No Drip Sinus
- Afrin No Drip All Night.
While all of these products contain oxymetazoline in the same concentration, they differ in the other ingredients (such as menthol or camphor) that they may contain. All Afrin products, except Afrin No Drip All Night Pump Mist, are available in spray form or pump mist form.
This medication is available in generic form.
