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Oxymetazoline

Oxymetazoline is a decongestant and blood vessel-narrowing medication used across several product forms to temporarily relieve nasal congestion, treat persistent facial redness from rosacea, and lift drooping upper eyelids.

Brand names AfrinAllerest 12 Hour Nasal SprayDristan 12-Hour Nasal SprayDuramist PlusNeo-Synephrine 12 Hour +11 more
Drug class Vasoconstrictor
Rx/OTC Forms 5
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 198 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 6, 2026 🚨Recall on record
Other forms & routes:
Nasal Topical
Oxymetazoline at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Oxymetazoline narrows blood vessels, the action behind Afrin and similar decongestant sprays sold over the counter since about 1975 (widely available as a generic), and prescription forms use it to calm rosacea facial redness (Rhofade cream) and tighten an eyelid muscle to lift a drooping lid (Upneeq drops). Most people tolerate it well; the spray can sting, burn or cause sneezing, and the cream can irritate the skin. With the spray, stop at 3 days in a row, because longer use triggers rebound congestion that comes back worse. With heart disease, high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma or blood pressure medicines, check with your pharmacist or prescriber before any form.

Clinical pearls

  • Upneeq can raise the risk of angle-closure glaucoma, so eye pain, redness, blurred vision or light sensitivity needs immediate care.
  • Remove contact lenses before using Upneeq and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
  • Wash your hands right after applying the rosacea cream, and keep it away from your eyes and lips.
  • Keep every form away from children; if one is swallowed, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription and over the counter
Comes asNasal spray, Topical cream, ointment or gel, Topical solution +2
Earliest FDA record1975
Companies listing it with the FDA73
FDA label last updatedDec 11, 2023
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Oxymetazoline, written from its FDA label.

What Oxymetazoline is used for

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Oxymetazoline is available in several different product forms, each approved for a specific use.

  • Nasal sprays (including Afrin, Dristan, CVS Severe Nasal Congestion Relief, Assured Nasal Relief Original, Best Choice, and Family Care Nasal Relief): temporarily relieve nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and swollen nasal passages caused by colds, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies
  • Rhofade (topical cream): treats persistent facial redness (erythema) in adults with rosacea
  • Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride (topical cream): treats persistent facial redness (erythema) in adults with rosacea
  • Upneeq (eye drops): treats acquired blepharoptosis — a drooping of the upper eyelid in adults that develops over time
  • No More Nosebleed (topical solution): temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies, and helps shrink swollen nasal membranes

How Oxymetazoline works

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Oxymetazoline is an alpha-adrenergic agonist — it activates a type of receptor (alpha-adrenoceptors) found in the walls of blood vessels and in certain muscles. When activated, these receptors cause blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstriction), reducing swelling and redness. In the nose, this shrinks swollen membranes so air can pass more freely. Applied as a cream for rosacea, the same narrowing of blood vessels reduces visible facial redness. In Upneeq eye drops, oxymetazoline specifically targets alpha-1A receptors in Mueller's muscle in the upper eyelid, causing it to contract and lift a drooping lid.

Oxymetazoline dosage

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The right way to take oxymetazoline depends completely on which product form you are using — dosing routines are distinct and should not be mixed.

  • Nasal sprays: adults and children 6 and older use 2–3 sprays in each nostril no more than every 10–12 hours, with a maximum of 2 doses in 24 hours; do not use for more than 3 days in a row
  • Rhofade / Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride cream: apply a pea-sized amount once daily to the entire face, avoiding eyes and lips; wash hands immediately after
  • Upneeq eye drops: instill one drop into the affected eye(s) once daily; remove contacts first and wait 15 minutes before reinserting

Always follow your prescriber's or pharmacist's directions for the specific product you have been given or purchased.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Oxymetazoline prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Rhofade / oxymetazoline hydrochloride topical cream (face)
    • Apply a pea-sized amount once daily in a thin layer to cover the entire face (forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin) avoiding the eyes and lips
    • Wash hands immediately after applying
    • For topical use only
    • Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use
    • Rhofade pump: prime before first use by repeatedly depressing the actuator until cream is dispensed, then pu
  • Upneeq ophthalmic solution (ptotic eye(s))
    • Instill one drop into one or both ptotic eye(s) once daily
    • Discard the single patient-use container immediately after dosing
    • Remove contact lenses before instillation and reinsert 15 minutes after; if more than one topical ophthalmic drug is used, administer at least 15 minutes between applications.
  • Nasal spray: adults and children 6 years and older (6 to under 12 years with adult supervision)
    • 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours
    • Maximum: Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.
  • Nasal spray: children 2 to under 6 years
    • Ask a doctor (some labels list children under 6 years: ask a doctor or consult a doctor)
    • Children under 2 years: do not use (Family Dollar and Ultra Fine Mist labels).
Read the label’s full dosing text

Directions ▪ adults and children 6 to under 12 years of age (with adult supervision): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. ▪ children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor. Shake well before use . Push down cap while turning counter-clockwise and remove cap. Remove clip under rim. Before using the first time, prime metered pump by depressing pump firmly several times. To spray, hold bottle with thumb at base and nozzle rim between first and second fingers. Without tilting head, insert nozzle into nostril. Fully depress rim with a firm, even stroke and sniff deeply. Wipe nozzle clean after use. Replace clip under rim and secure cap after use.

Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Oxymetazoline side effects

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The side effects you might notice depend on which form of oxymetazoline you are using.

Common side effects

  • Skin irritation or dermatitis at the application site (cream)
  • Worsening of rosacea inflammatory lesions (cream)
  • Itching at the application site (cream)
  • Redness or pain at the application site (cream)
  • Burning, stinging, or sneezing in the nose (nasal spray)
  • Temporary increase in nasal discharge (nasal spray)

When to get medical help

  • Get immediate medical help if you develop eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light — these can be signs of acute angle closure glaucoma
  • Seek medical care right away if your blood pressure condition or cardiovascular disease worsens while using this medication
  • Call your doctor if nasal congestion symptoms do not improve or get worse after 3 days of nasal spray use
  • Seek immediate care if signs of worsening blood flow problems develop, such as new or worsening symptoms of cerebral or coronary insufficiency
  • If a child accidentally swallows any oxymetazoline product, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency care immediately
  • Drooping eyelids (ptosis) can sometimes signal serious neurological conditions — tell your doctor if you have any other neurological symptoms alongside a drooping lid

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or sudden redness of the eye — these can be warning signs of acute angle closure glaucoma. If swallowed accidentally (especially by a child), call Poison Control right away.

Oxymetazoline warnings and precautions

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  • Do not use nasal sprays for more than 3 days. Using them longer or more often can cause rebound congestion — your stuffiness comes back worse than before.
  • Oxymetazoline can affect blood pressure. People with severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, or blood pressure that drops when standing (orthostatic hypotension) should use any form with caution and watch for changes.
  • Upneeq may increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma in people with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. Get immediate medical care if you develop eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity.
  • A drooping eyelid (ptosis) can sometimes signal serious conditions like stroke, myasthenia gravis, or Horner syndrome. See your doctor if other neurological symptoms are present.
  • Keep all oxymetazoline products — especially nasal sprays and creams — out of reach of children. Accidental swallowing can cause serious effects in children.
  • Do not share nasal spray containers — this can spread infection.

Oxymetazoline interactions

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Oxymetazoline can interact with several types of medications, particularly those that affect blood pressure or the nervous system.

  • Beta-blockers and antihypertensives (blood pressure medications): oxymetazoline may alter blood pressure and could add to or counteract the effects of these drugs
  • Cardiac glycosides (medicines like digoxin used for heart conditions): use together with caution due to potential cardiovascular effects
  • Alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists (used for cardiovascular disease or enlarged prostate): interaction possible due to opposing effects on the same receptors
  • MAO inhibitors (a class of antidepressants such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine): caution advised, as MAO inhibitors affect how the body processes circulating amines, which can change how oxymetazoline behaves

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

Check Oxymetazoline against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Oxymetazoline

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  • Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or any serious cardiovascular condition
  • Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease, diabetes, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate — particularly relevant for nasal spray use
  • Tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma — Upneeq eye drops may raise the risk of angle closure
  • Tell your doctor if you have Sjögren's syndrome or reduced blood flow to the brain or heart
  • Tell your doctor if you have orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure that drops when you stand)
  • Pregnancy: there is a potential association between nasal spray use in the second trimester and kidney development concerns in the baby. There are no adequate studies of the cream in pregnant women. Ask a health professional before using any oxymetazoline product while pregnant
  • Breastfeeding: it is unknown how much oxymetazoline passes into breast milk in humans. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor
  • Children: Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride cream has not been studied in children under 18. Nasal spray products should not be used in children under 6 without a doctor's guidance
  • Older adults (65+): no major differences in safety or effectiveness were found in clinical trials for the cream, but individual circumstances vary — check with your prescriber

Oxymetazoline overdose

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Oxymetazoline cream is not for swallowing — if it is ingested accidentally, seek medical advice right away and monitor closely. Accidental swallowing of nasal spray products (which contain oxymetazoline) has caused serious problems in children, including nausea, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, slow or fast heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, stupor or coma. If this happens, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to an emergency room immediately.

What Oxymetazoline does in the body

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In clinical studies of Upneeq eye drops, the effect on eyelid lift was measured using a standardized distance called MRD1 (the gap between the center of the pupil light reflex and the upper eyelid margin — basically, how much of your pupil is visible). The greatest lift in eyelid position was seen about 2 hours after using Upneeq, and the effect continued to be measurable through 8 hours after dosing.

How your body processes Oxymetazoline

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After oxymetazoline cream is applied to the face, small amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream — levels were measurable in most people studied, but remained very low. The drug is roughly 57% bound to proteins in the blood. It is minimally broken down (metabolized) by the liver — about 96% of the original drug remained unchanged after 2 hours in lab studies. How the body ultimately eliminates oxymetazoline after cream use has not been fully characterized. Lab studies also showed that oxymetazoline does not significantly interfere with the liver enzymes (CYP450) that process many other medications.

How to store Oxymetazoline

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store between 20° and 25°C (68° to 77°F) retain carton for future reference on full labeling

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

Oxymetazoline: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Oxymetazoline — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

Can I use the nasal spray every day for my chronic stuffiness?

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It's really important not to use the nasal spray for more than 3 days in a row. If you keep using it longer, your nose can actually become dependent on it — and when you stop, the congestion comes back even worse. That's called rebound congestion. If your stuffiness is ongoing, talk to your doctor about longer-term options that are safer for daily use.

I take blood pressure medication. Is it okay to use oxymetazoline?

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You should check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Oxymetazoline can affect blood pressure on its own, and it can interact with antihypertensive drugs like beta-blockers. This applies to all forms — nasal spray, cream, and eye drops. It doesn't mean you can't use it, but your care team should know so they can keep an eye on things.

What exactly does Upneeq do, and how quickly will I see a difference?

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Upneeq is a prescription eye drop that lifts a drooping upper eyelid — a condition called blepharoptosis. It works by stimulating a small muscle inside the eyelid. In clinical studies, the maximum lift was seen about 2 hours after the drop, and the effect lasted through 8 hours. It's used once a day. If you wear contacts, remove them before putting in the drop, and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Can I use Rhofade cream with other skincare products or medications?

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Rhofade is applied once a day to the whole face in a thin, pea-sized layer. The label doesn't give specific guidance on layering with other skincare products, so your best bet is to ask your dermatologist or pharmacist. What's clear is that it's for external use only — keep it away from your eyes and lips — and you should wash your hands right after applying it.

Is oxymetazoline safe to use during pregnancy?

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This is something you really should run by your doctor or midwife before using. There's a possible link between nasal spray use in the second trimester of pregnancy and a rare kidney development issue in babies. There's also very limited safety data on the cream during pregnancy. It doesn't mean you absolutely can't use it, but it's not a decision to make on your own — your provider can weigh the risks and benefits for your specific situation.

My child accidentally got into the nasal spray. What should I do?

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Call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222, or take your child to the emergency room. Accidental swallowing of oxymetazoline nasal spray is a known danger in children and can cause serious effects including extreme drowsiness, slow or fast heart rate, and breathing problems. Don't wait for symptoms to develop — get help immediately and keep all oxymetazoline products locked away and out of reach.

Is Oxymetazoline available over the counter?

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Both. Some Oxymetazoline products are sold over the counter and others need a prescription. According to their FDA listings, the nasal spray, topical solution and topical spray forms are sold over the counter and the topical cream, ointment or gel and eye drops forms need a prescription. The package says which kind you have. Your pharmacist can tell you which product is right for you.

When was Oxymetazoline first available?

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The earliest FDA record we hold for Oxymetazoline is from 1975: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Oxymetazoline was first used.

Who makes Oxymetazoline?

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73 companies currently list Oxymetazoline products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Bayer HealthCare LLC., Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Oxymetazoline on HelloPharmacist

🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerOxymetazoline vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Oxymetazoline NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Oxymetazoline Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Oxymetazoline forms and strengths (how it comes)

Oxymetazoline is available in 5 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Oxymetazoline inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Nasal spray

In the nose
Brands Afrin Best Choice Discount Drug Mart Nasal Nostrilla
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies
  • Temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure
  • Helps clear nasal passages and shrinks swollen nasal membranes
Important instructions
  • Adults and children 6 and older: use 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril no more than every 10 to 12 hours; do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours
  • Children under 6: consult a doctor before use
  • Do not use for more than 3 days — prolonged use may cause congestion to return or worsen
  • Shake well before use; do not tilt your head when inserting the nozzle, and wipe the nozzle clean after each use
Available strengths 14 strengths
0.05 mg/100 mL 0.05 mg/mL 0.0005 g/mL 0.5 mg/mL 0.0005095 g/mL 7.5 mg/15 mL
Show 8 more strengths Show fewer strengths
15 mg/30 mL 0.025 g/100 mL 0.05 g/100 mL 0.05 g/mL 50 mg/100 mL 50 mg/mL 0.5 g/100 mL 5 g/100 mL
393 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical cream, ointment or gel

On the skin
Brands Rhofade
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Rhofade is used for the topical treatment of persistent facial redness (erythema) associated with rosacea in adults
  • Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride cream is used for the topical treatment of persistent facial redness (erythema) associated with rosacea in adults
Important instructions
  • Rhofade and Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride cream: apply a pea-sized amount once daily in a thin layer covering the entire face — forehead, nose, each cheek, and chin — while avoiding the eyes and lips
  • Rhofade pump bottle: prime the pump before first use by depressing it until cream is dispensed, then pump 3 more times and discard that cream; priming is only needed once
  • For topical use only — not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use
  • Wash hands immediately after applying
Available strengths 2 strengths
10 mg/g 1 g/100 g
6 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical solution

On the skin
Brands No More Nosebleed
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • No More Nosebleed: temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies
  • No More Nosebleed: temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure and helps shrink swollen nasal membranes
Available strengths 2 strengths
0.5 mg/mL 0.05 g/100 mL
5 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Eye drops

In the eye
Brands Upneeq
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Upneeq is used to treat acquired blepharoptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) in adults
Important instructions
  • Upneeq: instill one drop into the affected eye(s) once daily
  • Upneeq: remove contact lenses before using and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them
  • Upneeq: if using another eye drop at the same time, wait at least 15 minutes between each product
  • Upneeq: discard the single-use container immediately after dosing and do not touch the tip to your eye or any surface
Available strengths 1 strength
1 mg/mL
4 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical spray

On the skin
Brands Afrin
Available strengths 1 strength
0.05 g/100 mL
3 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oxymetazoline on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Oxymetazoline appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

73 companies list 196 Oxymetazoline product records with the FDA, mostly as nasal spray, topical cream, ointment or gel, topical solution; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1975. Brand names on the directory include Afrin, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Dristan 12-Hour Nasal Spray and 13 more; the rest are generics.

5
Dose forms ⓘ
73
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
40
Brand names
196
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1975
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (9) · Kit (1) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Bayer HealthCare LLC.6%
Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.4%
Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH4%
Safeway3%
Amazon.com Services LLC3%
Best Choice (valu Merchandisers Company)3%
Other makers78%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Oxymetazoline is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Oxymetazoline is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Oxymetazoline is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

20,124
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$2.1M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Oxymetazoline prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Oxymetazoline ranks #796 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 50% of them.

Where Oxymetazoline ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #796 of 1,601
#791 Vigabatrin 20,288 Rx #792 Sodium Acetate 20,278 Rx #793 Milrinone 20,244 Rx #794 Revefenacin Oral Inhal... 20,174 Rx #795 Raloxifene 20,163 Rx #796 Oxymetazoline 20,124 Rx #797 Budesonide Nasal Spray 20,113 Rx #798 Efinaconazole Topical 19,808 Rx #799 Gemcitabine Injection 19,565 Rx #800 Gemcitabine 19,565 Rx #801 Benazepril and Hydroch... 19,477 Rx

Utilization by Oxymetazoline product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 0.5 mg/mL nasal spray is the most-dispensed Oxymetazoline product — about 86% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.5 MG/ML Nasal Spray Most dispensed

17,358 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 86% of Oxymetazoline prescriptions shown $165,829 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $9.55 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 11 of 351 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1000990

oxymetazoline hydrochloride 10 MG/ML Topical Cream

2,766 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 14% of Oxymetazoline prescriptions shown $1.9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $705 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1869816

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Oxymetazoline, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 13 of 356 listed Oxymetazoline NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Oxymetazoline products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Oxymetazoline — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 196 of 196 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 196 Oxymetazoline NDCs →

Oxymetazoline recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list 2 Oxymetazoline recalls since July 2021, covering 27 product listings. One of them is still ongoing and is listed first. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Ongoing Class II Dec 28, 2023 · Seaway Pharma Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Firm reported possible microbial contamination in the purified water used in the manufacturing of the products. No contamination was found in the final products.
  • Quality Choice No Drip Severe Congestion Nasal Pump Mist, Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, Nasal Decongestant, 12 Hours, 1 fl. oz. bottle, Distributed by C.D.M.A., Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd., Novi, M… Lots: Lot # SE23035, Exp 05/31/2026 FDA record D-0217-2024 →
  • Quality Choice No Drip Extra Moisturizing Nasal Pump Mist Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, 1 fl oz (30 mL) bottle, Distributed by C.D.M.A, Inc. 43157 W 9 Mile Rd. Novi,… Lots: Lot # SE23034, Exp 05/31/2026 FDA record D-0216-2024 →
  • Nasal Spray Original No Drip Oxymetazoline HCl Nasal Solution, 12 Hour Pump Mist, 1 FL oz. (30 mL) bottle, a) Quality Choice, Distributed by C.D.M.A. Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375, NDC# 638… Lots: Lot # SD23032, Exp 04/30/2026 FDA record D-0214-2024 →
Class II Oct 26, 2021 · Terminated · Perrigo Company PLC
CGMP Deviations: Products were manufactured with contaminated excipient that was recalled from the excipient supplier.
  • Maximum Strength Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant with Menthol, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DIST. BY MEIJER DISTRIBUTION, INC., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49544. NDC 41250-989-10 Lots: Batch: 1BK0716, Exp 12/31/2022 FDA record D-0629-2022 →
  • Maximum Strength Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant with Menthol, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DIST. BY MEIJER DISTRIBUTION, INC., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49544. NDC 41250-989-10 Lots: Batch: 1BK0716, Exp 12/31/2022 FDA record D-0628-2022 →
  • Sinus Severe, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant with Menthol, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DISTRIBUTED BY DOLGENCORP, LLC., 100 MISSION RIDGE, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072. NDC 55910-696-10 Lots: Batch: 1BK0931, Exp 12/31/2022; 1CK0900, Exp 01/31/2023; 1HK1196, Exp 02/28/2023 FDA record D-0627-2022 →
  • No Drip Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DISTRIBUTED BY: Walmart Inc., Bentonville, AR 72716. NDC 49035-388-10 Lots: Batch: 1CK0897, 1FK1233, 1FK1232, Exp 01/31/2023 FDA record D-0626-2022 →
  • No Drip Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DISTRIBUTED BY TOPCO ASSOCIATES LLC, ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007. NDC 36800-388-10 Lots: Batch: 1FK1233, Exp 01/31/2023 FDA record D-0625-2022 →
  • Maximum Strength No Drip Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DISTRIBUTED BY THE KROGER CO., CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202. NDC 30142-388-10 Lots: Batch: 1BK0826, Exp 12/31/2022 FDA record D-0624-2022 →
  • No Drip Nasal Spray, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Decongestant, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, Distributed by SUPERVALU INC., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA. NDC 41163-703-10 Lots: Batch: 1BK0964, Exp 01/31/2023 FDA record D-0623-2022 →
  • No Drip Nasal Decongestant, Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05%, 1 FL Oz (30 mL) per bottle, DISTRIBUTED BY: BETTER LIVING BRANDS LLC, P.O. BOX 99, PLEASANTON, CA 94566-0009. NDC 21130-801-10 Lots: Batch: 1BK0964, Exp 01/31/2023 FDA record D-0622-2022 →
  • and 16 more product listings in this recall (24 in all)

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Oxymetazoline RxCUI 7812 5 dose forms · 10 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Nasal Gel RxCUI 2474263 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) hydrochloride 0.0005 MG/MG RxCUI 2474264
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Nasal Solution RxCUI 377397 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) hydrochloride 0.25 MG/ML RxCUI 1000978 hydrochloride 0.5 MG/ML RxCUI 1000987
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Solution RxCUI 377448 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) hydrochloride 0.25 MG/ML RxCUI 1000981 hydrochloride 0.5 MG/ML RxCUI 1001378 hydrochloride 1 MG/ML RxCUI 2391749
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Cream RxCUI 1869815 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) hydrochloride 10 MG/ML RxCUI 1869816

Look up RxCUI 7812 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Oxymetazoline costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Spray · Nasal 0.05 g/100 mL $0.075 per mL NDC details & price history
Spray, Metered · Nasal 0.05 g/100 mL $0.075 per mL NDC details & price history
Cream · Topical 1 g/100 g $19.74 per gram NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Oxymetazoline brand names

Oxymetazoline is sold under 16 brand names in the FDA directory — Afrin, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Dristan 12-Hour Nasal Spray, Duramist Plus and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Afrin Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray Dristan 12-Hour Nasal Spray Duramist Plus Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour Nostrilla Sinex Long-Acting Sudafed OM Zicam Sinus Relief Sinufrin Plus Qlearquil Nasal Decongestant Rhofade Upneeq nasal Best Choice Discount Drug Mart

Who makes Oxymetazoline: manufacturers and labelers

73 companies list Oxymetazoline products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Bayer HealthCare LLC., Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Bayer HealthCare LLC. 12 Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc. 8 Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH 8 Safeway 6 Amazon.com Services LLC 5 Best Choice (valu Merchandisers Company) 5 Chain Drug Marketing Association 5 Cvs Pharmacy, Inc. 5 Discount Drug Mart 5 Reckitt Benckiser LLC 5 A-S Medication Solutions 4 Amerisource Bergen 4 Chain Drug Marketing Association Inc. 4 CVS Health 4 Dolgencorp, LLC 4 Kroger Company 4 Rite Aid Corporation 4 Topco Associates LLC 4 Walgreens Company 4 FAMILY DOLLAR (Family Wellness) 3 H E B 3 HyVee Inc 3 Kenvue Brands LLC 3 L. Perrigo Company 3

…and 49 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Oxymetazoline drug class (RxNorm)

Oxymetazoline belongs to the Vasoconstrictor class.

Pharmacologic class Vasoconstrictor
Drug family (ATC) Other dermatologicals, Sympathomimetics, plain, Sympathomimetics used as decongestants

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Oxymetazoline page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Dec 11, 2023
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Oxymetazoline.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Oxymetazoline after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
198
Finished products in the current FDA directory
196
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
73
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
73
Linked representative label ⓘ
FAMILY DOLLAR (Family Wellness)
Linked label effective
Dec 11, 2023
Composite sections available
11
Linked SPL Set ID
0c006b1c-8ab2-4b9c-8738-e7001c1bb47d
Linked SPL Document ID
3c853555-c557-4b90-bc8f-277c59c65cbe
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗
NDC package records associated with this linked SPL 1

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. FAMILY DOLLAR (Family Wellness) is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →