Claritin Allergy Decongestant

Uses of Claritin Allergy Decongestant

Oxymetazoline belongs to a group of medications called decongestants. It is used in a nasal spray for the relief of symptoms of nasal congestion caused by the common cold and allergic disorders such as hayfever, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and year-round allergies. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This helps to clear the symptoms of congestion.

Precautions and Warnings

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Medical conditions: If you have difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, advanced hardening of the arteries, or diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Prolonged or excessive use: Do not use this medication for more than 3 days. Using this medication for longer than 3 days may cause your congestion to worsen when you stop using the medication. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Excessive use can increase the risk of side effects, especially for children.

Spread of infection: Use of this nasal spray by more than one person may cause spread of infection.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if oxymetazoline passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 12 years of age.

Dosage

The recommended dose of oxymetazoline nasal spray for adults and children over 12 years of age is 2 or 3 sprays into each nostril every 12 hours, as needed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage on the product label. Rinse the spray tip in hot water after each use.

Side Effects:

Common Side Effects:

• burning and stinging of the nose
• dryness of the nose
• headache
• increased nasal discharge
• sneezing
• trouble sleeping