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General Information on Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray
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from eMedTV.comWhat Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using oxymetazoline nasal spray if you have:- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease
- Glaucoma
- Difficulty passing urine
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH)
- Diabetes
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
How Does Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray Work?
The active ingredient in oxymetazoline nasal spray is part of a group of drugs called decongestants. Specifically, it works by stimulating certain receptors known as alpha-adrenergic receptors. In the lining of the nasal passages, this action causes the blood vessels to constrict, allowing less fluid to leave the blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. This helps to relieve nasal congestion.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD