Afrin: a drug for the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases
Afrin is a locally acting agent intended for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The drug contains the active ingredient oxymetazoline, which stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors and constricts the blood vessels in the nose, which leads to reduced swelling and improved breathing.
Afrin is manufactured by Schering-Plough in Switzerland and Belgium and is available in spray and nasal drops, as well as eye drops. It is also available under various trade names such as Nazivin, Nazol, Nasivion, and others.
Indications for the use of Afrin include difficulty in nasal breathing during colds, inflammation of the sinuses, eustachitis, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis. It can be used as a means to facilitate breathing through the nose before going to bed.
However, before using Afrin, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications and side effects. The drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance, hypertension, severe atherosclerosis, heart rhythm disturbances, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should also not be used in children under 1 year of age.
When using Afrin, side effects may occur, such as sleep disturbance, agitation, tachycardia, nausea, increased blood pressure, dryness and burning sensation of the nasal mucosa, dry mouth or pharynx.
It is also necessary to consider the interaction of Afrin with other medications. It can slow down the absorption of local anesthetics and prolong their effect, as well as enhance the effect of MAO inhibitors on the central nervous system. Other vasoconstrictor drugs may contribute to side effects.
In case of an overdose of Afrin, tachycardia, arterial hypertension, and depression of the central nervous system may occur. Treatment should be symptomatic.
Despite these contraindications and side effects, Afrin remains an effective remedy for facilitating nasal breathing in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. However, before use, you must consult your doctor and strictly follow the instructions for use.