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Drugs A–Z

Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride

Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride is an over-the-counter medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Over the counter (OTC)
Brand names
Major Nasal Decongestant, foster and thrive nasal, nasal decongestant, Afrin Original, Best Choice, Best Choice Maximum Strength, Exchange Select Nasal, Family Care Nasal Relief, equaline nasal, good neighbor pharmacy nasal
Taken
Nasal
Label
Rite Aid Corporation, revised September 4, 2026 · full label on DailyMed

Purpose

Nasal decongestant

What it is used for

  • temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to:
  • common cold
  • hay fever
  • upper respiratory allergies
  • temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure
  • shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely

Active ingredient

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%

Ask a doctor before use if you have

  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • thyroid disease
  • diabetes
  • trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

When using this product

  • do not use more than directed
  • do not use for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.
  • temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing or an increase in nasal discharge may occur
  • use of this container by more than one person may spread infection

Stop use and ask a doctor if

symptoms persist

Warnings

Ask a doctor before use if you have

  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • thyroid disease
  • diabetes
  • trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland When using this product
  • do not use more than directed
  • do not use for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.
  • temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing or an increase in nasal discharge may occur
  • use of this container by more than one person may spread infection Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children

. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Oxymetazoline in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

  • Class II Ongoing

    Quality Choice No Drip Severe Congestion Nasal Pump Mist, Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, Nasal Decongestant, 12 Hours, 1 fl. oz. bottle, Distributed by C.D.M.A., Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48375, NDC 63868-60…

    Reason: CGMP Deviations: Firm reported possible microbial contamination in the purified water used in the manufacturing of the products. No contamination was found in the final products.

    Seaway Pharma Inc.

    Lots, distribution and details
    Product
    Quality Choice No Drip Severe Congestion Nasal Pump Mist, Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, Nasal Decongestant, 12 Hours, 1 fl. oz. bottle, Distributed by C.D.M.A., Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48375, NDC 63868-608-01, UPC 6-35515-98846-0
    Lots / codes
    Lot # SE23035, Exp 05/31/2026
    Distribution
    MI, PA
    Quantity
    8,160 bottles
    Recall started
    December 28, 2023 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0217-2024
  • Class II Ongoing

    Quality Choice No Drip Extra Moisturizing Nasal Pump Mist Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, 1 fl oz (30 mL) bottle, Distributed by C.D.M.A, Inc. 43157 W 9 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48375, NDC# 63868-…

    Reason: CGMP Deviations: Firm reported possible microbial contamination in the purified water used in the manufacturing of the products. No contamination was found in the final products.

    Seaway Pharma Inc.

    Lots, distribution and details
    Product
    Quality Choice No Drip Extra Moisturizing Nasal Pump Mist Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, 1 fl oz (30 mL) bottle, Distributed by C.D.M.A, Inc. 43157 W 9 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48375, NDC# 63868-676-01, UPC 6-35515-98847-7.
    Lots / codes
    Lot # SE23034, Exp 05/31/2026
    Distribution
    MI, PA
    Quantity
    7,992 bottles
    Recall started
    December 28, 2023 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0216-2024
  • Class II Ongoing

    Nasal Spray Original No Drip Oxymetazoline HCl Nasal Solution, 12 Hour Pump Mist, 1 FL oz. (30 mL) bottle, a) Quality Choice, Distributed by C.D.M.A. Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375, NDC# 63868-607-01, UPC 6-3551…

    Reason: CGMP Deviations: Firm reported possible microbial contamination in the purified water used in the manufacturing of the products. No contamination was found in the final products.

    Seaway Pharma Inc.

    Lots, distribution and details
    Product
    Nasal Spray Original No Drip Oxymetazoline HCl Nasal Solution, 12 Hour Pump Mist, 1 FL oz. (30 mL) bottle, a) Quality Choice, Distributed by C.D.M.A. Inc., 43157 W 9 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375, NDC# 63868-607-01, UPC 6-35515-98843-9, b) Premier Value, Distributed by: Pharmacy Value Alliance, LLC, 407 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087 UPC 8-40986-03509-8.
    Lots / codes
    Lot # SD23032, Exp 04/30/2026
    Distribution
    MI, PA
    Quantity
    7,992 bottles
    Recall started
    December 28, 2023 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0214-2024

Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.

Get alerts for Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride

We will email you if the FDA reports a recall, if its shortage status changes, or when we publish news about it — at most one email a day. No account needed.









Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 71845bf9-8981-4ca0-a62c-dbef102b1b02.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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