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What is Afrin 12 Hour: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Afrin 12 Hour overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • 12 Hour Decongestant, 12-Hour Nasal, 4-Way Long Lasting, Afrin, Afrin Extra Moisturizing, Afrin No Drip, Afrin No-Drip Sinus, Afrin PumpMist, Afrin Sinus, Afrin w/Menthol, Children's Mucinex Stuffy Nose Spray, Dristan 12-Hr, Duramist Plus, Good Neighbor Nasal Spray Pump, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Nasal Spray

Generic Names:

  • Afrin 12 Hour

Uses:

  • Helps relieve a stuffy nose.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Decongestant

Forms:

  • Spray

How it’s taken:

  • Into the nose

What form(s) does Afrin 12 Hour come in

  • Spray

What are common Afrin 12 Hour doses?

  • Bottle 15ML of 0.05%

  • Bottle 30ML of 0.05%

Common Afrin 12 Hour prescriptions

  • Afrin 12 Hour
    30ml of 0.05% bottle

How to take Afrin 12 Hour

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Nasal routeIf you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.

  • Shake the nasal spray well before each use.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • Keep your head upright while spraying the medicine into each nostril. Repeat until you have used 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril.

  • Do not use more than two times in 24 hours, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not share this medicine with other people.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Do not share this medicine with other people.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Shake the nasal spray well before each use.

  • Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Do not use more than two times in 24 hours, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Nasal routeIf you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.

  • Keep your head upright while spraying the medicine into each nostril. Repeat until you have used 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

Afrin 12 Hour contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxymetazoline.

Afrin 12 Hour warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or an enlarged prostate.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 3 days unless your doctor tell you to.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Afrin 12 Hour interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or an enlarged prostate.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 3 days unless your doctor tell you to.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Afrin 12 Hour side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning or stinging inside of your nose

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