Nazol

Drug name: Nazol

Other names used:

• Afrin®
• Afrin Nasal Sinus®
• Duramist Plus®
• Duration®
• Genasal®

Active Ingredients: Oxymetazoline

Therapeutic actions: Oxymetazoline is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in your nasal tissues. Constriction of the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses leads to drainage of these areas and a decrease in congestion.

Indications: Oxymetazoline nasal is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold.

Oxymetazoline nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contraindications and cautions: Do not use oxymetazoline nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause damage to your nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor.

Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• seizures;
• unusual behavior or hallucinations;
• an irregular or fast heartbeat.

More commonly, you may experience some sneezing or burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation of the nose. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Interactions: Do not use oxymetazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

Although drug interactions between topical nasal decongestants and drugs taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Rarely, oxymetazoline nasal may interact with the following medicines:

• furazolidone (Furoxone);
• guanethidine (Ismelin);
• indomethacin (Indocin);
• methyldopa (Aldomet);
• bromocriptine (Parlodel);
• caffeine in cola, tea, coffee, chocolate and other products;
• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, others);
• tricyclic Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor);
• other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil);
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and
• other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), mesoridazine (Serentil), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxymetazoline nasal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.