Oxymetazoline (Topical)

What is oxymetazoline?

Oxymetazoline (topical) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat rosacea.

Before taking oxymetazoline, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to oxymetazoline; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take oxymetazoline with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take oxymetazoline?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take oxymetazoline. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If oxymetazoline is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using oxymetazoline while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is oxymetazoline best taken?

Use oxymetazoline as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take oxymetazoline by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• If you are using the pump, you will need to prime it before you use it the first time. Prime the pump by pressing 3 times. Throw away any product that comes out.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not put on open wounds, cuts, or irritated skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of oxymetazoline that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad irritation where oxymetazoline is used.

What are some other side effects of oxymetazoline?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where oxymetazoline is used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out oxymetazoline?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

SRC: NLM .