Oxymetazoline is a nasal decongestant used to manage the common cold, allergy symptoms and hay fever. According to Drugs.com, oxymetazoline tightens the nasal blood vessels, subsequently treating most debilitating nasal symptoms. MedlinePlus says that oxymetazoline is available as a nasal spray that should not be used in children under 6 years old. Typically, you will use the nasal spray as your doctor instructs every 10 to 12 hours as needed.
Routine Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, oxymetazoline can routinely cause nasal dryness, sneezing, burning and stinging. It can cause nausea, nervousness, headache, trouble sleeping, dizziness and increased drainage from your nose. These symptoms should not persist for more than three to five days. Discontinue this medication if these symptoms continue.
Harmful Side Effects
Excessive amounts of oxymetazoline can sometimes seep into your body and cause such harmful side effects as blurry vision, weakness and hypertension (high blood pressure). It can cause shakiness, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness and sleepiness. Oxymetazoline's other dangerous side effects include tachycardia (fast heartbeat), palpitations (a pounding heartbeat) and an arrythmia (uneven heartbeat). Drugs.com says that oxymetazoline may cause hallucinations, nausea and strange behavior. Notify your doctor when these side effects emerge, as they can be life-threatening.
Drugs.com warns that you should avoid using oxymetazoline for more than three to five days. Doing so can lead to persistent nasal congestion, medically called rhinitis medicamentosa.
Additional Concerns
Avoid oxymetazoline, especially if you are allergic to its contents. Harmful side effects such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat and face, and skin welts all over your body can result.
Tell your doctor if you suffer from such medical conditions as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, an enlarged prostate or heart problems, says Drugs.com.
It is unclear whether oxymetazoline can pass to your baby during pregnancy or nursing. However, tell your doctor if you are either breastfeeding or nursing, as she will decide whether to continue oxymetazoline.
Drugs.com recommends you tell your physician if you are taking such drugs as bromocriptine, indomethacin, guanethidine, caffeine or phenothiazines. Any of these medications combined with oxymetazoline can cause side effects.
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