Products
Oxymetazoline is commercially available in the form of nasal drops and as a nasal spray with or without a preservative (Nasivin, Vicks Sinex). It has been approved in many countries since 1972. Oxymetazoline is also used to treat rosacea; see oxymetazoline cream.
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 (ATC R01AA05) has direct sympathomimetic properties, contracting the vessels and causing decongestion of the mucosa. It is effective against runny nose and nasal congestion. The effect lasts for about 12 hours. According to scientific literature, it is additionally supposed to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even antiviral (manufacturer’s study).
Indications
Oxymetazoline is approved for the symptomatic treatment of acute rhinitis (rhinitis, inflamed nasal mucosa), sinusitis (sinusitis), and tubal catarrh.
Dosage
The usual dosage for adults is 1-3 applications per day. Nasal remedies should not be used for more than a maximum of 5 to 7 days, and remedies without preservatives should be preferred. For children, dosages are lower (see package insert).
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Rhinitis sicca
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Surgical procedures in which the dura mater is exposed.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
At normal doses, interactions should be negligible, according to the drug label. In overdose, interactions are expected to be significant with internally applied sympathomimetics, for example, with MAO inhibitors, other sympathomimetics, antihypertensive agents, and antidepressants.
Adverse effects
Local side effects such as dry nasal mucosa, burning sensation, or sneezing may occur. If the drugs are used for too long, rhinitis medicamentosa may develop (see there). Systemic sympathomimetic side effects such as headache, sleep disturbance, or palpitations are rare.
