OXYMETAZOLINE NASAL SPRAY

What is oxymetazoline?

Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a decongestant that constricts the blood vessels in your nose to reduce nasal swelling and congestion. It can be applied by spraying 2-3 sprays in each nostril twice a day, with a maximum daily dose of 2 doses in a 24-hour period.

How can oxymetazoline help alleviate certain long COVID symptoms? 

Oxymetazoline can be used for nasal congestion that persists after a COVID infection, but it should not be used long-term. Unlike oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which can increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, oxymetazoline has fewer effects on blood pressure and can be more beneficial in these patients.

What evidence supports oxymetazoline’s use for long COVID?

Few studies have examined the use of oxymetazoline for long COVID symptoms. While using oxymetazoline with nasal corticosteroids has demonstrated improvement in nasal congestion and lack of smell specifically in patients with nasal polyps,¹ oxymetazoline has not been shown to influence loss of smell following a COVID infection.

What should you be aware of when taking oxymetazoline?

If used for more than three consecutive days, oxymetazoline can cause the blood vessels in your nose to swell up again, leading to rebound congestion. Therefore, it is essential to limit use to three to five consecutive days. Side effects of oxymetazoline include temporary burning or stinging and dryness in the nose. Oxymetazoline is not recommended for use in children younger than six.

References:

1)      Kirtsreesakul V, Khanuengkitkong T, Ruttanaphol S. Does oxymetazoline increase the efficacy of nasal steroids in treating nasal polyposis? Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2016 May;30(3):195-200. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2016.30.4294