They work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. DNSs are best for colds, flus, or other short-term problems. This makes them feel blocked. The swelling leads to increased mucus production, which causes a runny nose. When DNSs shrink blood vessels, they reduce the inflammation and the associated mucus production. Some side effects can be serious. Rebound congestion refers to the unfortunate phenomenon in which using DNSs for too long causes — rather than prevents — congestion. Some research shows that the longer you use a DNS, the more you build up a tolerance.
Drug tolerance means that you require increasingly larger and more frequent doses to achieve the desired effects. Decongestants shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages.
When the drug wears off, they swell up again. This causes immediate withdrawal congestion. Addiction is categorized by intense cravings for a substance and an inability to stop using despite facing negative consequences.
Addiction is a complex disease with many behavioral characteristics. The primary symptom of DNS withdrawal is congestion. This is especially true if you have chronic allergies. Studies show that people who have been misusing DNSs for months, or even years, can be treated successfully. Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be easily managed.
Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing DNSs is to switch to a steroid nasal spray. About six months after stopping a DNS, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. Studies show that relapse is very rare. Use a DNS only as directed. Follow the instructions on the box or the directions of your doctor. Some general guidelines are:. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options, including steroid nasal sprays and oral allergy medications. Many people consider nasal congestion to be one of the most bothersome allergy symptoms.
Decongestants help relieve your congestion. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. Oxymetazoline nasal spray may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat, light, and moisture not in the bathroom.
Do not freeze the medication. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.
However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. If you use too much oxymetazoline nasal spray or if someone swallows the medication, call your local poison control center at If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray pronounced as ok'' see met az' oh leen. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? Most people can use decongestants safely, but they're not suitable for everyone.
They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:. Children aged 6 to 12 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this. It's not clear whether it's safe to take any type of decongestant if you're pregnant, so you should only use them if told to by a healthcare professional. Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you're breastfeeding.
Some decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops are safe to use if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or GP first before using them. The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will say who should not use it and who should get advice before using it. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it.
Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse. Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.
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