Oxymetazoline is a generic medication sold without a prescription under a variety of brand names in nasal spray and eye drops. Despite its effectiveness at relieving eye or nasal irritation due to allergies, oxymetazoline poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types of Common Side Effects

Side effects associated with the nasal spray form of oxymetazoline include sneezing, an increase in nasal drip and burning, dryness or stinging inside of your nose. The eye drop form of oxymetazoline rarely causes side effects unless used for long periods of time like weeks or months, in which case an increase in eye redness and irritation is possible, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Overdose

Symptoms of using too much of either form of oxymetazoline include fast or irregular heartbeat, headaches, lightheadedness, nervousness, trembling and insomnia.

Pediatrics

Oxymetazoline eye drops are not safe for children under 6 years of age, cautions the Mayo Clinic. Children of all ages may be more sensitive to the side effects of both forms of oxymetazoline than adults.

Warning

If eye irritation becomes worse after using oxymetazoline or if symptoms do not improve within 72 hours, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor, the Mayo Clinic advises.

Considerations

If you have a history of heart disease, hypertension, eye diseases like glaucoma, or hyperthyroidism, it may not be safe for you to take either type of oxymetazoline, warns the Mayo Clinic. Patients with diabetes should not use the nasal spray form of oxymetazoline, and those who wear contact lenses should contact their doctor before using the eye drop form of the drug.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Oxymetazoline (Ophthalmic Route)

Mayo Clinic: Oxymetazoline (Nasal Route)