Is Afrin and Flonase the same?

While both Afrin and Flonase are both nasal sprays that relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion, they are not the same. Afrin is a local vasoconstrictor that limits fluid infiltration to the nasal passage. Flonase is a steroid that mediates the inflammatory response brought on by an allergic response.

Why is Afrin bad?

Afrin is not addictive in the same way that other drugs may be. Afrin may lead to rebound congestion, however, if it’s overused. 1 In this condition, as the medication wears off, nasal congestion increases. This limits its usefulness to the short-term relief of nasal congestion; it should not be used chronically.

What do you use Afrin for?

This medication is used for temporary relief of congestion in the nose caused by various conditions including the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergies. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area, reducing swelling and congestion.

What does flonase treat?

Nonprescription fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase Allergy) is used to relieve symptoms of rhinitis such as sneezing and a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes caused by hay fever or other allergies (caused by an allergy to pollen, mold, dust, or pets).

Is there anything better than Afrin?

The bottom line Afrin should only be reserved for short-term, temporary relief of congestion — each dose only lasts for 10 to 12 hours. Flonase and Nasacort are better for long-term prevention, and each dose lasts for 24 hours. If cost is not an issue, Flonase Sensimist might be the most effective and safe option.

Does Afrin raise blood pressure?

Topical nasal decongestants such as Afrin (oxymetazoline), Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine), Privine (naphazoline), and Vicks VapoRub Inhaler (l-desoxyephedrine/levmetamfetamine) can also cause an increase in blood pressure.

Can Afrin ruin your nose?

Eventually, the duration of action of the nasal spray decreases, so it must be used more and more frequently for the same effect. If the medicine is used long-term (months to years), permanent damage to the nose may occur. Once a nasal decongestant spray addiction has taken hold, it is tough to break on one’s own.

How do I quit Afrin?

Treatment

STOP the nasal decongestant spray use immediately (more rarely, one can try to wean off the afrin by diluting the concentration with saline by 25% on a daily basis)
High dose prednisone starting at 60mg tapered slowly over ~2 weeks.
Start steroid nasal spray AND anthistamine nasal spray use.

Does Afrin stop drainage?

Afrin® No Drip Severe Congestion. Get a nasal decongestant spray with soothing menthol. Just 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril from the No Drip bottle is all it takes to shrink nasal membranes and provide you with long-lasting nasal congestion relief: Works for 12 hours.

Is Afrin a drug?

What is Afrin? Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold.

Why Flonase is bad for you?

Nosebleeds, nasal ulceration, headache, sore throat, nausea, cough, and nasal burning or itching. Also occasionally more serious nasal effects may occur and the use of Flonase may delay wound healing. Do not use Flonase if you have recently had nasal surgery or nasal trauma.

Can I use Flonase everyday?

You may start to feel relief after the first day—and full effect after several days of regular once-a-day use. Use FLONASE every day as full effectiveness is usually achieved after 3 or 4 days of continuous use.

Is there a generic name for Afrin 12 Hour?

Afrin Nasal Spray Generic name: Oxymetazoline (Nasal) (oks i met AZ oh leen) Brand name: 12 Hour Decongestant, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, 12 Hour Nasal Relief Spray, 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Afrin 12 Hour,…show all 28 brand names. Drug class: Nasal antihistamines and decongestants

Are there any side effects to taking Afrin?

Do not use for more than 3 days. Using Afrin Nasal Spray (oxymetazoline (nasal)) too often or for longer than you have been told may cause nose stuffiness to happen again or get worse. This medicine may cause harm if swallowed or if too much is used. The chance is higher in children.

What are the uses of Afrin nasal spray?

Uses of Afrin Nasal Spray: It is used to treat nose stuffiness. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What’s the difference between Afrin and oxymetazoline?