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What is the most important information I should know about oxymetazoline nasal?

Do not use oxymetazoline nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause damage to your nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor.

What is oxymetazoline nasal?

Oxymetazoline is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in your nasal tissues. Constriction of the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses leads to drainage of these areas and a decrease in congestion.

Oxymetazoline nasal is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold.

Oxymetazoline nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use oxymetazoline nasal?

Do not use oxymetazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. This could cause a very dangerous drug interaction with serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• high blood pressure;

• any type of heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or irregular heart beats;

• thyroid problems;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;

• an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or

• liver or kidney disease.

You may not be able to use oxymetazoline nasal, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether oxymetazoline nasal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use oxymetazoline nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of oxymetazoline nasal. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from oxymetazoline nasal. You may require a lower dose of this medication.