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Oxymetazoline Coupon - Oxymetazoline 30ml of 0.05% nasal spray

oxymetazoline

Generic Afrin
Used for Nasal Congestion, Rosacea
Used for Nasal Congestion, Rosacea

Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a nasal decongestant spray. More specifically, it's an alpha-1 receptor agonist. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is sprayed into the nostrils up to twice daily to help relieve stuffy noses. But you should avoid using it for longer than 3 days in a row because doing so can raise the risk for rebound congestion. There are oxymetazoline products for children and adults that differ in dosage, so read the label on your specific product to make sure it's appropriate for you. Some side effects of this medication might include mild burning or stinging in the nose.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 24, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Oxymetazoline (Afrin)?

What is Oxymetazoline (Afrin) used for?

  • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

How Oxymetazoline (Afrin) works

Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is an alpha-1 receptor agonist. It works by attaching to receptors in your nose and sinuses. This causes the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses to tighten, which relieves nasal swelling and congestion. So oxymetazoline (Afrin) makes it easier for you to breathe through your nose.

Are you looking for information on Rhofade (oxymetazoline) cream or Upneeq (oxymetazoline) eye drops instead?
When does Oxymetazoline (Afrin) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAfrin, Mucinex Sinus-Max, Vicks Sinex, Zicam Extreme Congestion, Xlear Nasal Decongestant
Drug ClassAlpha adrenergic receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter

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Written by Kristine Foley, PharmD
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What are the side effects of Oxymetazoline (Afrin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Burning in the nose
  • Stinging in the nose
  • Rebound nasal congestion (if using longer than 3 days)

Other Side Effects

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
When do Oxymetazoline (Afrin) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Burning in the nose
Stinging in the nose
Rebound nasal congestion

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

When this medicine is used for short periods of time at low doses, side effects usually are rare.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

With overuse or long-term use

Increase in irritation or redness of eyes

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

headache or lightheadedness

nervousness

trembling

trouble in sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Starts working within minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours

Typically fewer side effects than oral decongestants

Children's product can be used by those as young as 2 years old (check product labeling)

Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Some nasal spray might drip out of nose, which can be messy

Can't use longer than 3 days due to rebound congestion

Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure

Not recommended during pregnancy

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

pharmacist

  • Some people might experience temporary discomforts, such as stinging or sneezing, right after using oxymetazoline (Afrin). These side effects are typically mild and go away after a while. But if they're bothersome and don't go away, let your primary care provider (PCP) know because you might need to stop using this spray.

    • Don't use oxymetazoline (Afrin) longer than 3 days because doing so can cause your congestion to come back or get worse. If your symptoms don't get better after 3 days, talk with your PCP about other treatment options, including home remedies.

      • If oxymetazoline (Afrin) isn't enough to ease your congestion, ask your PCP about other nasal sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or sodium chloride (Ocean Nasal Spray). These medications work differently than oxymetazoline (Afrin). Your PCP might recommend one of these in addition to oxymetazoline (Afrin), depending on how severe your congestion is and what other health conditions you might have.

        • Don't take medications that are similar to oxymetazoline (Afrin), such as phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) nasal spray or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) oral tablets, together with oxymetazoline (Afrin). Doing so raises your risk for side effects without helping your congestion more. Before picking up any OTC nasal congestion medications, check with your pharmacist or PCP to make sure they're safe for you.

          How to use oxymetazoline (Afrin):

          • Make sure you know how to give yourself oxymetazoline (Afrin) to avoid accidentally hurting yourself or wasting the medication. Also, always check the product labeling since some instructions might be a little different.

            • When you first open your bottle of oxymetazoline (Afrin), prime it by spraying it into the air away from yourself and others several times until you see a full mist. You should also prime the bottle if you haven't used it in a while.

              • Before using oxymetazoline (Afrin), blow your nose and wash your hands with soap and water. Shake the bottle gently before each use and remove the cap. Keep your head upright and breathe in through the nose while you spray.

                • Always wipe the top clean after each use. Don't share oxymetazoline (Afrin) with other people to avoid spreading infections.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

                  Is oxymetazoline (Afrin) habit-forming?
                  No, oxymetazoline (Afrin) isn't a controlled substance and isn't known to be habit-forming. But if you use oxymetazoline (Afrin) longer than recommended, you're at risk for rebound congestion. This is a side effect where your body gets used to oxymetazoline (Afrin) and it stops working as well to treat your congestion. Some people might feel the urge to use more nasal spray to overcome the problem, but this only leads to worsening congestion. To avoid rebound congestion, don't use oxymetazoline (Afrin) for longer than 3 days. If you still have congestion after this time, talk with your primary care provider and they can recommend other treatment options.
                  Is oxymetazoline (Afrin) a steroid?
                  No, oxymetazoline (Afrin) isn't a steroid; it's a nasal decongestant, also known as alpha-1 agonist. If you have severe congestion, your primary care provider might recommend that you try both a steroid spray and oxymetazoline (Afrin).
                  Does oxymetazoline (Afrin) keep you awake?
                  Oxymetazoline (Afrin) isn't likely to keep you awake. Trouble sleeping can be a side effect of oral decongestants, but it's not as likely with oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray. If you're having trouble sleeping while using oxymetazoline (Afrin), talk with your primary care provider. They can try to help you figure out if your insomnia is caused by oxymetazoline (Afrin) or other factors, and recommend ways to help you get better rest.
                  Does oxymetazoline (Afrin) raise blood pressure?
                  If you have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medications, ask your primary care provider if oxymetazoline (Afrin) is safe for you. This medication isn't recommended for people who have high blood pressure because it might worsen blood pressure. But limited research suggests that oxymetazoline (Afrin) isn't likely to raise blood pressure for people who don't have blood pressure problems.
                  How often can you use oxymetazoline (Afrin)?
                  You can use up to 3 sprays of oxymetazoline (Afrin) every 10 or 12 hours. But don't use the medication for longer than 3 days. Doing so can worsen your congestion (rebound congestion) and make it harder to treat. To lower your risk of this side effect, use the lowest dose of oxymetazoline (Afrin) for the shortest amount of time and space out the time between doses for as long as you're able to. If you're still having congestion after using oxymetazoline (Afrin) for 3 days, contact your primary care provider to learn about other options.
                  Can kids use oxymetazoline (Afrin)?
                  Yes, children ages 6 years and older can use the 0.05% strength of oxymetazoline (Afrin); children ages 2 to 6 years old can use the 0.025% strength of oxymetazoline (Afrin). Since these are two different strengths of oxymetazoline (Afrin) with different age cut-offs, be sure to carefully check the product you're purchasing to make sure it's safe and recommended for your child.
                  Can you use oxymetazoline (Afrin) while pregnant?
                  If you have congestion during pregnancy, talk with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) before taking any medication. More research is needed to understand the risks of taking oxymetazoline (Afrin) during pregnancy. But one study suggests it might cause harm to the unborn baby. Your OB-GYN can recommend medications that are safer to take during pregnancy or walk you through some home remedy options.
                  Can I use oxymetazoline (Afrin) if I'm breastfeeding?
                  While studies are limited, oxymetazoline (Afrin) isn't likely to cause harm to a nursing baby. This is because very little of oxymetazoline (Afrin) is expected to pass into breast milk. Speak with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) if you have concerns about using this medication while breastfeeding.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Oxymetazoline (Afrin)?

                  Oxymetazoline (Afrin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Rebound congestion

                  • Risk factors: Using oxymetazoline (Afrin) for more than 3 days in a row

                    Don't use oxymetazoline (Afrin) for more than 3 days in a row. Doing so can lead to rebound congestion, meaning your symptoms could get worse or come back after you stop using this medication. Talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist about better long-term alternative products to help with your congestion.

                    risk-warning

                    Might not be safe for people with certain medical conditions

                    • Risk factors: Heart disease or high blood pressure | Thyroid problems | Diabetes (high blood sugar) | Urinary problems

                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin) might not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Although oxymetazoline (Afrin) doesn't raise blood pressure as much as other decongestants, it's still a safety concern, especially if you have existing high blood pressure. If you have medical conditions like those listed above, ask your primary care provider before starting oxymetazoline (Afrin).

                      risk-warning

                      For use in the nose only

                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin) should only be used in your nose. Don't give this medication any other way. If you feel a nasal spray is not the best choice for you, ask your pharmacist or primary care provider for other options to treat your congestion. Young children who accidentally swallow can get serious side effects, including breathing problems and slow heart rate. If you or someone else takes oxymetazoline (Afrin) by mouth, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

                      dosage

                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 1 nasal spray of 30ml of 0.05% of Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is $5.65 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.27% off the average retail price of $12.09.
                      nasal spray
                      Nasal spray
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      15ml of 0.05%1 nasal spray$5.17$5.17
                      30ml of 0.05%1 nasal spray$5.65$5.65

                      Typical dosing for Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

                      Oxymetazoline 0.05% nasal spray:

                      • Adults and children ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, up to every 10 to 12 hours. Don't use more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period, or for longer than 3 days.

                      • Children ages 6 years and younger: Don't use. See below for the recommended product for younger children.

                      Oxymetazoline 0.025% nasal spray:

                      • Children ages 2 to under 6 years old: The typical dose is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, up to every 10 to 12 hours. Don't use more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period, or for longer than 3 days.

                      • Children ages under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.

                      More on Oxymetazoline (Afrin) dosage forms

                      Health: Afrin: afrin dosage

                      Afrin Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                      Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
                      interactions

                      Interactions between Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and other drugs

                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Oxymetazoline (Afrin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Oxymetazoline (Afrin) cost?

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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Oxymetazoline (Afrin)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Oxymetazoline (Afrin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

                      $5.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

                      $4.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Phenylephrine nasal spray
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

                      $4.56 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Oxymetazoline (Afrin)?

                      Over-the-counter (OTC) steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays help treat allergy symptoms. See which are the best options depending on your symptoms.

                      Steroids, Antihistamines, and Decongestants: Choosing the Best Nasal Spray for Allergies

                      Over-the-counter (OTC) steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays help treat allergy symptoms. See which are the best options depending on your symptoms.
                      Read this comparison of Afrin versus Flonase nasal spray, which covers differences in how they work for congestion relief and if they’re safe to use together.

                      Afrin vs. Flonase for Nasal Congestion: 6 Differences to Consider

                      Read this comparison of Afrin versus Flonase nasal spray, which covers differences in how they work for congestion relief and if they’re safe to use together.
                      Allergies may cause nasal inflammation that can lead to sinus headaches or trigger migraines. Learn the symptoms and treatment options for allergy headaches here.

                      Do Allergies Cause Headaches?

                      Allergies may cause nasal inflammation that can lead to sinus headaches or trigger migraines. Learn the symptoms and treatment options for allergy headaches here.
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                      Flu Medicine for Kids: 5 Important Tips to Know

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                      Rosacea and acne can both cause redness and breakouts. So, how do you know if you have rosacea or acne? Compare images and learn the differences here.

                      Rosacea vs. Acne: Differences and Treatments Explained (With Pictures)

                      Rosacea and acne can both cause redness and breakouts. So, how do you know if you have rosacea or acne? Compare images and learn the differences here.
                      Read on to learn the side effects of Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray, including common side effects, how to manage them, and potential risk factors.

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

                      Read on to learn the side effects of Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray, including common side effects, how to manage them, and potential risk factors.
                      If you take a decongestant such as Sudafed, it’s best to avoid other stimulants and alcohol. Here are five common mistakes people make when taking decongestants.

                      Avoid These 5 Mistakes While Taking a Decongestant like Sudafed or Afrin

                      If you take a decongestant such as Sudafed, it’s best to avoid other stimulants and alcohol. Here are five common mistakes people make when taking decongestants.
                      Rebound congestion (also known as rhinitis medicamentosa) occurs when your body becomes dependent on certain nasal sprays. Learn how to treat rebound congestion.

                      Rebound Congestion (Rhinitis Medicamentosa): What to Do If You Overuse Nasal Spray

                      Rebound congestion (also known as rhinitis medicamentosa) occurs when your body becomes dependent on certain nasal sprays. Learn how to treat rebound congestion.
                      Not all cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, but select treatments like ibuprofen and Benadryl are okay. See a list of cold medications you can use while breastfeeding.

                      Taking Cold Medicine While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

                      Not all cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, but select treatments like ibuprofen and Benadryl are okay. See a list of cold medications you can use while breastfeeding.
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                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin) images

                      Oxymetazoline Coupon - Oxymetazoline 15ml of 0.05% nasal spray
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                      Oxymetazoline Coupon - Oxymetazoline 30ml of 0.05% nasal spray
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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). CHILDREN AFRIN EXTRA MOISTURIZING STUFFY NOSE PUMP MIST STUFFY NOSE PUMP MIST - oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). AFRIN NO DRIP SEVERE CONGESTION - oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Bellew, S.D., et al. (2018). Effect of Intranasal Vasoconstrictors on Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Emergency Medicine.

                      View All References (4)

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2021). Oxymetazoline. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                      Kumar, R. S., et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of Fluticasone Furoate and Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray: A novel first fixed dose combination for the management of allergic rhinitis with nasal congestion. Journal of Asthma and Allergy.

                      U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: Serious adverse events from accidental ingestion by children of over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays.

                      Yau, W., et al. (2013). Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. American Journal of Epidemiology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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