Oxymetazoline formulations

Otrivin Express is specially formulated with oxymetazoline hydrochloride

Nasal formulations containing oxymetazoline reduce mucosal oedema and rhinorrhoea, restoring airflow and breathing through the nasal passages.¹

A clinical study with oxymetazoline nasal solution demonstrated a rapid effect when treating acute rhinitis²

The mean onset for a noticeable effect of oxymetazoline is around 25 seconds.¹ This is in comparison to 90 seconds with a treatment of physiological saline solution in a prospective placebo-controlled double-blind study of patients with acute rhinitis.² In this study, 84% of patients receiving the oxymetazoline nasal spray judged its effect to be good or very good, as opposed to 44% of patients from the saline group.²

The effect of a single oxymetazoline administration lasts for up to 12 hours^1,3 and is also capable of significantly shortening the duration of rhinitis by a third when compared to saline solution administration.²

Oxymetazoline provides rapid decongestion of the nose¹

Oxymetazoline reduces oedema of the nasal mucosa¹

Rhinorrhoea is improved

Oxymetazoline is a direct-acting sympathomimetic amine, which reduces swelling and rhinorrhoea when topically applied to the nasal mucosa.¹

Airflow through the nose is restored

The vasoconstrictive effect of oxymetazoline and the subsequent resolution of mucosal oedema, restores airflow and breathing through the nasal passages.¹

Sinus pressure is relieved

Reduction of nasal mucosal oedema, through the action of oxymetazoline, contributes to improvement of aeration through the paranasal sinuses and middle ear,¹ thereby aiding resolution of sinus pain and pressure from nasal congestion. Headache and the sensation of nasal stuffiness due to nasal congestion may also be lessened with the use of oxymetazoline.⁴
Indications
Indications include:¹

Relief of nasal congestion due to colds, allergic rhinitis (including hay fever), sinusitis

Aiding the drainage of secretions of paranasal sinuses by reducing nasal mucosal swelling

As an adjuvant in otitis media, to decongest the nasopharyngeal mucosa
Side Effects

The most common side effects are nasal dryness, discomfort, and sneezing. More uncommon side effects are dry mouth, stomatitis, dry throat, and throat irritation.¹

Topical application of oxymetazoline to the nasal mucosa results in minimal systemic absorption, however there is a potential risk of systemic sympathomimetic side effects if the recommended dosage is exceeded.¹
Posology

Adults and children over 12 years old should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 2 sprays into each nostril, with a minimum dosing interval of 12 hours.¹ Nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline should not be used for longer than 10 consecutive days.¹
Oxymetazoline spray produces faster, more effective and longer-lasting decongestion than pseudoephedrine tablets

Faster decongestion:

Oxymetazoline has been shown to provide a 6-times faster onset of action than oral pseudoephedrine – within 5 minutes – as opposed to 30-60 minutes.⁴

More effective decongestion:

Oxymetazoline provides a greater improvement in restoration of airflow through the nasal passageway when compared to oral pseudoephedrine. The decongestive effect of oxymetazoline was also found to be more reliable.^1,4

The mean pre-treatment flow rate value reached a maximum of 345 cc/sec greater than baseline at 2 hours in the oxymetazoline group, compared with a maximum of 85 cc/sec greater than baseline at 60 minutes in the pseudoephedrine group.⁴

Longer lasting decongestion:

The duration of oxymetazoline action is 8-12 hours,¹ compared to 4-6 hours for pseudoephedrine.⁴