Afrin 12 Hour

Generic name: Oxymetazoline hydrochloride

Brand names: Afrin, Afrin Original, Afrin Sinus, Afrin Nasal Spray

Afrin 12 Hour is a medication that offers brief relief from a stuffy nose brought on by a cold. It reduces congestion and facilitates breathing by tightening blood vessels in the nose. There is no prescription needed to purchase Afrin 12 Hour over-the-counter. When used as instructed, it is typically secure and efficient. However, some individuals may experience negative effects like nose dryness, stinging, or burning. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if any of these side effects last or cause you any discomfort.

Usage

Cold-related stuffy nose can be temporarily relieved with Afrin 12 Hour.

Mechanism of Action

Afrin 12 Hour reduces congestion and makes breathing easier by tightening blood vessels in the nose.

The following forms are offered for this item:

• Solution
• Nose Drops
• Nasal Spray

How this drug should be used

Just take this medication as your doctor has prescribed. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less than that. By doing this, you run a higher risk of skin absorption and adverse reactions.

If you are using the nose drops:

• Gently blow your nose.
  Take off the cap. While keeping the bottle upright, slant your head slightly forward and tuck the dropper tip into one of your nostrils.
  Breathe in gently through your nose as you gently squeeze the bulb to release a drop of medicine into your nostril.
  Remove the dropper from your nostril after releasing the bulb.

If you are using the nasal spray:

• Before using this medication, gently blow your nose.
  Do not discard the dust cap after removing it. The dust cap prevents dirt or other debris from clogging the nozzle.
  Spraying two test sprays into the air and away from your face will prime (clean) the pump.

Side Effects

nose stinging, burning, or dryness, as well as lightheadedness

Notify your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects persist or get worse.

Keep in mind that your doctor prescribed this medicine because, in his or her opinion, it will benefit you more than it will harm you. Many users of this medication report no significant side effects.

Precautions

It is crucial that your doctor regularly assess your progress in order to ensure that the medication is operating as intended and to look for any side effects.

Unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor, do not take this medication for more than three days straight. Rebound congestion, or the recurrence of stuffy nose symptoms, can result from prolonged use of this medication.

Use this medication with caution if you have:

• Nasal perforation, or bleeding from the nose, is a hole in the cartilage between your nostrils.
• Severe pressure, swelling, or pain in the nose or sinuses (acute sinusitis)
• Extended head cold symptoms of more than ten days

Don't give anyone else this medication. It is prohibited by law.

This drug has the potential to form habits. Do not abruptly stop taking this medication if it has been used for a while without first consulting your doctor. Before stopping completely, the dose might need to be gradually decreased.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or nursing without first consulting your doctor.

Do not store expired or unnecessary medications. Make sure that any expired medication is stored away from children and animals.

Children and elderly patients are more likely to experience side effects from Afrin 12 Hour than adults because they are typically more sensitive to the effects of decongestants.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children over the age of 12 should use two or three sprays in each nostril every six to eight hours, with a maximum of three doses per day.

Children younger than 12 years old: consult a doctor.

Shake the bottle thoroughly before using it again if you use more than one bottle per day.

You might only need to take this medication for three days or less, as directed by your doctor. Obey your doctor's instructions.

Take not by mouth. Only the nose should use this medication. Avoid making eye contact. If this happens, give yourself a good rinse in cool tap water.

A sore or open wound inside your nose should not be sprayed with this medication.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms could include:

• Drowsiness
• Agitation
• elevated blood pressure
• a pounding or rapid heartbeat
• Nervousness
• Hallucinations (the perception of unreal objects)
• Convulsions and seizures

Afrin A common cold-related stuffy nose can be temporarily relieved with the aid of the medication 12 Hour. It's important to consult your doctor and to follow the instructions on the package.