Oxymetazoline formulations

Molecule

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride

Nasal formulations containing oxymetazoline provide rapid and effective relief of nasal congestion.1

Man using a nasal spray

A clinical study with oxymetazoline nasal solution demonstrated a rapid effect when treating acute rhinitis2

The mean onset for a noticeable effect of oxymetazoline is around 25 seconds.1 This is in comparison to 90 seconds with a treatment of physiological saline solution in a prospective placebo-controlled double-blind study of patients with acute rhinitis.2 In this study, 84% of patients receiving the oxymetazoline nasal spray judged its effect to be good or very good, as opposed to 44% of patients from the saline group.2

The effect of a single oxymetazoline administration lasts for up to 12 hours1,3 and is also capable of significantly shortening the duration of rhinitis by a third when compared to saline solution administration.2 

Oxymetazoline provides rapid decongestion of the nose1

  • Otrivin flow rates graph

    Faster decongestion:

    Oxymetazoline has been shown to provide a 6-times faster onset of action than oral pseudoephedrine – within 5 minutes – as opposed to 30-60 minutes.4

    More effective decongestion:

    Oxymetazoline provides a greater improvement in restoration of airflow through the nasal passageway when compared to oral pseudoephedrine. The decongestive effect of oxymetazoline was also found to be more reliable.1,4

    The mean pre-treatment flow rate value reached a maximum of 345 cc/sec greater than baseline at 2 hours in the oxymetazoline group, compared with a maximum of 85 cc/sec greater than baseline at 60 minutes in the pseudoephedrine group.4

    Longer lasting decongestion:

    The duration of oxymetazoline action is 8-12 hours,1 compared to 4-6 hours for pseudoephedrine.4

  • Glass nose showing congestion

    Rhinorrhoea is improved

    Oxymetazoline is a direct-acting sympathomimetic amine, which reduces swelling and rhinorrhoea when topically applied to the nasal mucosa.1

    Airflow through the nose is restored

    Airflow through the nose is restored

    The vasoconstrictive effect of oxymetazoline and the subsequent resolution of mucosal oedema, restores airflow and breathing through the nasal passages.1

    Woman with clear sinus air flow

    Sinus pressure is relieved

    Reduction of nasal mucosal oedema, through the action of oxymetazoline, contributes to improvement of aeration through the paranasal sinuses and middle ear,1 thereby aiding resolution of sinus pain and pressure from nasal congestion. Headache and the sensation of nasal stuffiness due to nasal congestion may also be lessened with the use of oxymetazoline.4

  • Nasal congestion icon

    Indications include:1

    • Relief of nasal congestion due to colds, allergic rhinitis (including hay fever), sinusitis
    • Aiding the drainage of secretions of paranasal sinuses by reducing nasal mucosal swelling
    • As an adjuvant in otitis media, to decongest the nasopharyngeal mucosa
  • Clinician with patient

    The most common side effects are nasal dryness, discomfort, and sneezing. More uncommon side effects are dry mouth, stomatitis, dry throat, and throat irritation.1

    Topical application of oxymetazoline to the nasal mucosa results in minimal systemic absorption, however there is a potential risk of systemic sympathomimetic side effects if the recommended dosage is exceeded.1

  • Woman, boy and dog outside

    Adults and children over 12 years old should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 2 sprays into each nostril, with a minimum dosing interval of 12 hours.1 Nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline should not be used for longer than 10 consecutive days.1

Discover the Otrivin range with oxymetazoline

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