Oxymetazoline vs Phenylephrine
 | Oxymetazoline |  | Phenylephrine |  |
| This medication is used for temporary relief of congestion in the nose caused by various conditions including the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergies. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area, reducing swelling and congestion. | This medication is used for the temporary relief of runny/stuffy nose, watery/itchy eyes, and itchy throat caused by allergies, hay fever, the common cold, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. The decongestant treats nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose. The antihistamine relieves itchy/watery eyes and itchy throat by blocking a substance (histamine) released by allergies. The anticholinergic dries up a runny nose and the fluid that runs down your throat causing itching/irritation. Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely. These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray). | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Oxymetazoline review I had bad side effects from this medication such as, itching, rashes, behavioral problems such as depression, thoughts of suiside. My Army Doctors all have panic attacks when I tell them I am using Afrin, but other Rx nasal sprays (cortico-steroids and anti-histamines)have almost no effect, except side effects. I have asked them why Afrin is so bad, but the ONLY side effect is that you may become dependent on it. Being that I have literally been congested my entire life without pause, Afrin is a lifesaver! One could argue that I have become dependent, but that would be a moot point, since I have never been able to breathe normally anyway... until Afrin. | Add Phenylephrine review every time doctor and I get correct medicine - tHAT company discontunes - hope this one NOT get discontinued - this is the only drug we can find that will touch my problem - it does not make my sleepy and within 10 minutes my face stop draining - I would recommend - thank you and have a great day...Pamela Robinson | |||
