Oxymetazoline Cream

Products

Oxymetazoline cream was approved in the United States in 2017 (Rhofade, 1%). Oxymetazoline is also available as a nasal spray at a lower concentration (Nasivin); see Oxymetazoline.

Structure and properties

Oxymetazoline (C16H24N2O, Mr = 260.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in water. It is an imidazoline derivative.

Effects

Oxymetazoline has sympathomimetic, vasoconstrictor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The effects are due to agonism at the α1A-adrenoceptor. Oxymetazoline is primarily a vasoconstrictor, but anti-inflammation also appears to be involved in the effect.

Indications

For the external treatment of rosacea.

Dosage

According to the professional information. The cream is applied once a day.

Contraindications

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Adverse effects

The most common potential adverse effects include local skin reactions such as dermatitis, exacerbation of existing inflammatory lesions, itching, redness, and pain.