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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › NASAL PREPARATIONS › DECONGESTANTS AND OTHER NASAL PREPARATIONS FOR TOPICAL USE › Sympathomimetics, plain
fenoxazoline
R01AA12
Forms & Strengths
- Nasal spray 0.05%
- Nasal drops 0.05%
- Nasal drops 0.1%
Adult Dosing
- 1-2 drops or sprays in each nostril up to 3 times daily as needed
- Limit use to a maximum of 3 to 5 consecutive days to prevent rhinitis medicamentosa
Pediatric Dosing
- Children 6 years and older: 1-2 drops (0.05%) in each nostril up to 2-3 times daily
- Not recommended for children under 6 years of age
Indications
- Symptomatic relief of nasal congestion associated with acute rhinitis, sinusitis, and common cold
- Facilitation of drainage in rhinosinusitis
Mechanism of Action
- Direct stimulation of alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa
- Causes vasoconstriction of dilated arterioles, reducing nasal blood flow, edema, and mucus secretion
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fenoxazoline or other sympathomimetic amines
- Atrophic rhinitis (dry rhinitis)
- Children under 6 years of age
- Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of their discontinuation
Adverse Reactions
- Transient stinging, burning, or dryness of the nasal mucosa
- Sneezing
- Rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) with prolonged use (>3-5 days)
- Systemic sympathomimetic effects (rare): palpitations, hypertension, headache, dizziness, nervousness
Drug Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): severe hypertensive crisis due to potentiation of pressor effects
- Tricyclic antidepressants: potentiation of cardiovascular effects of sympathomimetics
- Antihypertensive drugs: potential attenuation of the blood pressure-lowering effect
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use