Afrin Extro spray 0.05% 15ml

Afrin Extro instruction

You can buy Afrin Extro here

Oxymetazolin (Oxymetazolinum) is the main component of Afrin Extro, which is also present in a number of other drugs intended for the treatment of diseases of the nose and eyes. The substance has a complex chemical compound, which includes dihydroimidazole, methyl, dimethylethyl, dimethylphenol.
The main active substance used in the composition of Afrin Extro - oxymetazoline hydrochloride in an amount of 500 mcg. Auxiliary ingredients:
    microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carmellose;
    sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate;
    sodium hydrogen phosphate;
    disodium edetate dihydrate;
    povidone;
    camphor;
    ethanol;
    levomenthol;
    polypropylene glycol;
    distilled water.
Afrin Extro is available in a 15 ml plastic bottle in the form of a spray labeled 0.05% with a convenient dispenser. The contents of the bottle are a white gel-like suspension with a characteristic odor.

Pharmacological properties

The active ingredient oxymetazoline exerts an effect on the vessels of the nasal mucosa, causing them to narrow. The sinuses and the Eustachian tube fall under his influence. As a result, edema decreases and nasal breathing normalizes with rhinitis of an allergic or infectious nature.
The use of auxiliary components, namely carmellose sodium and povidone, contributes to the fact that with the intranasal administration of Afrin Extro, the extro does not leak out of the nasal cavity and does not enter the pharynx, since when it is in the nasal passage, the fluid acquires viscosity and lingers on the mucous membranes, in contrast from traditional water emulsion.
Levomenthol (menthol), cineole (eucalyptus) and camphor form an aromatic composition that leaves a pleasant cooling sensation. This effect is explained by the interaction of constituent substances with cold trigeminal receptors, which passes on the surface of the mucosa.
The drug begins active work within one minute after injection. Judging by the instructions for use, its therapeutic effect lasts for twelve hours. Due to the form produced (nasal spray), oxymetazoline does not settle in the blood fluid - the plasma.

Indications for use

Afrin Extro is indicated for such diseases:
    acute rhinitis accompanying allergic manifestations, or infectious and inflammatory;
    vasomotor rhinitis;
    paranasal sinusitis;
    otitis media
    eustachitis;
    congestion and swelling of the conjunctiva;
    for diagnosis, when vasoconstriction of the mucous membranes is required.

Method and features of the reception

The spray is local, intranasal. Before performing the manipulation, the bottle must be shaken with vigor. For the first time, after opening, you should press the nebulizer a couple of times to calibrate the drug. Avoid contact with eyes.
The dose of the drug is set in accordance with the age category. So, adults and children from 6 years old are shown 2-3 injections in each sinus no more than 2 times a day. In especially difficult situations, it is permissible to increase the dosage up to 3 times. It is highly undesirable to abuse the dosage and exceed it. If you follow the instructions, you can use it yourself, but with a time limit of 3 days. Further therapy, if necessary, should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. If treatment is continued for more than a week, symptoms of congestion may return.
When appointing Afrin Extro, you should know that the medication affects vision and reaction speed, causing them to decrease. As for driving, there are no clear preconditions for contraindication, however, in case of adverse reactions in the form of dizziness, you should refrain from driving.

Pregnancy

The instruction indicates that oxymetazoline has anti indications during pregnancy and lactation. In some cases, its purpose is urgently needed if the benefits that can be expected exceed the risk of fetal loss.

Side effects

In general, judging by the general clinical data, Afrin Extro is extremely well tolerated by patients. In a number of cases, such negative manifestations were recorded:
    respiratory system: a feeling of dryness and burning in the nasopharynx, which is transient, sneezing. Long-term treatment is fraught with the occurrence of reactive hyperemia, atrophy of the mucosa;
    cardiovascular system: palpitations, sometimes arterial hypertension;
    central nervous system: state of overexcitation, dizziness, headaches, insomnia;
    digestive organs: nausea;
    visual organ: with the introduction of the drug into the conjunctival sac, mydriasis, paresis of accommodation, displacement (retraction) of the eyelid, irritation of surrounding tissues are possible.

Contraindications

An absolute ban on the appointment of the drug should be in the presence of existing diseases:
    atrophic rhinitis;
    intolerance to the components of the drug;
    combination with therapy in which MAO inhibitors are used, as well as until two weeks after the end of the course;
    chronic renal failure;
    children under 6 years old.
In certain situations, the use of Afrin Extro is permissible, subject to increased safety precautions:
    coronary artery disease;
    chronic heart failure;
    recurrent atherosclerosis;
    pregnancy;
    hyperthyroidism;
    hypertension
    diabetes;
    prostatic hyperplasia;
    angle-closure glaucoma.

Overdose

With a significant overdose, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, tachycardia, arrhythmia and increased blood pressure, drowsiness, loss of strength, respiratory arrest, coma are observed. The same can happen with an unintentional intake of the drug, then it is required to promptly rinse the stomach and drink activated charcoal.

Interaction with other medicines

Afrin Extro can provoke negative reactions if you combine it with some other drugs. These are MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use can lead to an increase in blood pressure. The active substance oxymetazoline has a restraining effect on local anesthetics, stretches the duration of their effect. It is forbidden to combine drugs with the same purpose, namely, vasoconstrictors, the risk of developing adverse reactions increases at times.

Storage conditions

The shelf life of the nasal spray is 2 years. It should be stored out of the reach of children with temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius.

Terms of sell

You can buy Afrin Extro without a prescription.