temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure.
Checked against the official label · Updated
Sold without prescription in some countries Nasal Safety alerts on record
Oxymetazoline: quick answers
Used for
Temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure.
Children
Children 6 yrs.
Prescription
Sold without prescription in the United States; rules differ by country.
From the official label (Oct 2025). Your prescription and pharmacist come first.
How to use Oxymetazoline
What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.
Who it is for
Temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure
How to take it and how often
Remove protective cap
Before using for the first time, prime the pump by firmly depressing its rim several times
Hold container with thumb at base and nozzle between first and second fingers
Without tilting your head, insert nozzle into nostril
Fully depress rim with a firm, even stroke and inhale deeply
Adults & children 6 yrs. & older (with adult supervision): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not more often than every 10 to 12 hours
Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours
Children 2 to under 6 yrs.: ask a doctor
Children under 2 yrs.: do not use
While you are taking it
, do not do not exceed recommended dosage do not use this product for more than 3 days
Use only as directed
Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge may occur use of this container by more than one person may spread infection
Talk to a doctor first if
heart disease high blood pressure thyroid disease diabetes trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate gland
Warnings
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes. Do not use by mouth in nostrils on wounds or damaged skin with tight bandages Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease high blood pressure thyroid disease diabetes trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate gland When using this product, do not do not exceed recommended dosage do not use this product for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge may occur use of this container by more than one person may spread infection Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist. …
Possible side effects
Symptoms persist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
How to store it
Keep out of reach of children.
If you miss a dose
Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.
From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2025-10-08.
SinuFrin Decongestant (oxymetazoline HCl) Nasal Solution Nasal Decongestant, Decongestant Relief for up to 12 Hours, 12 Hour Relief, 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) bottle, Manufactured by NeilMU.S. FDA Class III
24 Jun 2024 · Neilmed Pharmaceuticals Inc · OngoingSub-potent Drug
Nasal Spray Original No Drip Oxymetazoline HCl Nasal Solution, 12 Hour Pump Mist, 1 FL oz. (30 mL) bottle, a) Quality Choice, Distributed by C.D.M.A. Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd, Novi,U.S. FDA Class II
28 Dec 2023 · Seaway Pharma Inc. · OngoingCGMP Deviations: Firm reported possible microbial contamination in the purified water used in the manufacturing of the products. No contamination was found in the final products.
Lidocaine HCL 2% and Oxymetazoline HCl 0.025% Solution for intranasal administration, 2 mL syringes, Rx only, Compounded by Pine Pharmaceuticals 355 Riverwalk Parkway, Tonawanda, NU.S. FDA Class II
2 Oct 2023 · Pine Pharmaceuticals, LLC · TerminatedLack of Assurance of Sterility
No Drip Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, Distributed by SUPERVALU INC., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA. NDC 41163-703-10U.S. FDA Class II
26 Oct 2021 · Perrigo Company PLC · TerminatedCGMP Deviations: Products were manufactured with contaminated excipient that was recalled from the excipient supplier.
A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts
Questions about Oxymetazoline
What is Oxymetazoline used for?
temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies sinus congestion and pressure (From the official U.S. FDA label.)
How do I take Oxymetazoline?
Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: Remove protective cap. Before using for the first time, prime the pump by firmly depressing its rim several times. Hold container with thumb at base and nozzle between first and second fingers. Without tilting your head, insert nozzle into nostril. Fully depress rim with a firm, even stroke and inhale deeply. adults & children 6 yrs. & older (with adult supervision): 2 or 3 spr…
How long can I take Oxymetazoline for?
Do not use this product for more than 3 days.
Do I need a prescription for Oxymetazoline?
In many countries Oxymetazoline is sold without a prescription in some strengths. Rules differ by country, so ask a pharmacist.
What brands contain Oxymetazoline?
Oxymetazoline is sold under names such as Sinufrin Plus, Qlearquil Nasal Decongestant, Kovanaze, Rhofade, Afrin, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duramist Plus, Four-way. Brand names differ between countries.
What are the side effects of Oxymetazoline?
The official label lists: symptoms persist. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Can children take Oxymetazoline?
The label gives a separate dose by age: children 2 to under. Check the pack or ask a pharmacist.
Can I take Oxymetazoline when pregnant or breastfeeding?
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Ask your doctor or midwife first.
How can I check that my Oxymetazoline is genuine?
Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.
This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.