Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Afrin (nasal spray)
Introduction
Afrin is a brand of nasal spray used to ease nasal congestion that is available over-the-counter in the United States. The generic name for this medication is Oxymetazoline hydrochloride. While useful in the short-term, 12 hour relief, for sinus congestion, prolonged use (in excess of three days) may result in rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa). This can cause a dependency on the product; recovery may take some time.
Afrin is distributed by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products.
Trivia
Trivia
From the late 1980s to mid 1990s, Afrin featured many notable television advertisements. Some of these commercials showed men, women, and kids using other brands of nasal sprays, and then standing upside down or hanging upside down from playground equipment to prevent their nasal spray from dripping out. This was juxtaposed with Afrin users having no problems.