8 Afrin Side Effects to Know About: Sneezing, Rebound Congestion, and More

Nasal congestion is an uncomfortable symptom of head colds and sinus infections. Thankfully, there are medications available that can help you breathe easier. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a popular choice for many people when a stuffy nose hits. This over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray works within minutes to help relieve nasal congestion.

Although Afrin is available without a prescription, it’s not risk free. Overall, it’s well tolerated, but there are potential side effects. Knowing how to manage them can help you get the most out of Afrin while staying safe.

Afrin side effects at a glance

Most Afrin side effects are mild and go away on their own. But more serious problems are also possible.

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Common Afrin side effects include:

• Nasal dryness

• Nasal stinging or burning

• Rebound (returning) congestion if you use Afrin too long

• Sneezing

• Headache

• Nervousness or anxiety

• Runny nose

• Dizziness

• Trouble sleeping

Rare but serious Afrin side effects include:

• Raised heart rate

• Raised blood pressure

• Allergic reactions

This isn’t a complete list of possible Afrin side effects. Tell your healthcare team if you experience concerning symptoms, even if they aren’t listed here.

Below, we’ll go into more detail about eight Afrin side effects and how to manage them.

1. Nasal dryness or irritation

Nasal dryness, stinging, and burning are common Afrin side effects. They are typically mild and go away on their own. Stinging and burning should resolve shortly after using Afrin. Nasal dryness should get better once the medication wears off (about 6 to 12 hours later).

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Tips for best use: Using nasal sprays can be tricky. Review pharmacist-backed tips for using nasal sprays correctly so you can get your full dose every time.

• How long does Afrin take to work? Pharmacists answer this and other frequently asked questions about Afrin.

• About rebound congestion: This side effect is caused by using Afrin for too long. Physicians explain why rebound congestion happens and how it’s usually treated.

If these Afrin side effects become bothersome, you could try sodium chloride (saline) nasal spray or gel (Ocean, Ayr). It acts as a moisturizer for the nasal passages. For best effects, try using the saline spray a few minutes before you use Afrin.

If dryness or irritation seems severe or doesn’t go away, stop using Afrin and talk to your healthcare team. This isn’t typical with this nasal spray. There could be another cause for your symptoms.

2. Rebound congestion

Rebound congestion can happen if you use Afrin for too long. Your body quickly gets used to Afrin’s effects. And if you try to stop the nasal spray, your nasal passages may become swollen or blocked. Rebound congestion may feel worse than the original congestion you were using Afrin for.

You can help prevent rebound congestion by reserving Afrin for when your congestion is at its worst. It’s recommended to use Afrin for up to 3 days in a row. If you feel you still need the nasal spray after that, a healthcare professional can help recommend an alternative.

Rebound congestion can take awhile to go away. And it can be tricky to treat. If you believe you’re experiencing rebound congestion, contact a healthcare professional. They’ll suggest next steps for treating it.

3. Sneezing

Sneezing is a common Afrin side effect. It’s usually mild, and it’s most noticeable right after using the nasal spray. Keep in mind, sneezing is also a common symptom of colds, allergies, and upper respiratory infections (reasons you may be using Afrin). So this symptom may not be caused by Afrin itself.

If your sneezing seems very bothersome or doesn’t improve within a few days, talk to your healthcare team. Depending on what’s causing your symptom, you may need a different treatment.

4. Headache

Headache is another common Afrin side effect. It’s usually mild and manageable at home. It should go away as Afrin wears off.

Staying hydrated and getting extra rest can help ease headaches. You can also ask a healthcare professional if an OTC headache medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), is safe for you to take.

Keep in mind that Afrin may not be causing your headaches. Nasal congestion can cause sinus pressure or pain. And if you have a stuffy nose due to a sinus infection, headaches are a common symptom.

5. Raised blood pressure and heart rate

Raised blood pressure and heart rate are two of Afrin’s potentially serious side effects. This nasal spray doesn’t raise blood pressure or heart rate as much as oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). But it’s still a possible side effect. This is especially true if you have hypertension (chronic high blood pressure).

If you have hypertension, check with your healthcare team before starting Afrin. They may suggest alternatives that aren’t known to affect your blood pressure.

6. Anxiety

Anxiety or nervousness is a rare Afrin side effect. Because Afrin works only around the nose, side effects elsewhere in the body don’t happen often. But they’re still possible.

This Afrin side effect should go away on its own as the medication wears off. If it doesn’t, tell a healthcare professional. This isn’t a typical Afrin side effect, and there may be another reason for it.

7. Trouble sleeping

Rarely, Afrin may cause trouble sleeping. This side effect is possible for all decongestants. But the risk is lower for Afrin compared with oral decongestants. Similar to anxiety, sleeping difficulties should resolve on their own once the medication is out of your system.

If you’re having trouble sleeping while using Afrin, tell your healthcare team. Keep in mind that it’s common to have trouble sleeping when you don’t feel well. So Afrin may not be causing this symptom.

8. Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions aren’t the same thing as a side effect. But it’s still good to know about them. As with any medication, it’s possible for some people to be allergic to Afrin. But it’s very rare.

Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Mild reactions may include a minor rash. Severe allergic reactions can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

If you think you’re having a mild allergic reaction, contact a healthcare professional right away. They may want to evaluate you in person. If you’re having any symptoms that seem life-threatening, get immediate medical help by going to the ER or calling 911.

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Written by:

Sarah Morin, RPh

Sarah Morin, RPh, has been a registered pharmacist for over 25 years. She started out as a hospital pharmacist, working at Rhode Island Hospital and then at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Reviewed by:

Kathryn LeMoine, PharmD Candidate, MA

Kathryn is a PharmD candidate at the University of California, San Francisco. Throughout her professional career, Kathryn has gained experience in various areas of pharmacy including community, hospital, and industry  — all of which has improved her understanding of optimizing medications for improving patient health.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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