Treating a cold is one of the most common medical procedures. This symptom can appear during a viral catarrhal infection, bacterial diseases of the pharynx and ear, as well as with a cold. Correction often involves the use of solutions for local exposure. This article will focus on the drug "Afrin." Instructions for use of the composition will be presented below. You can also find out how to use the drug and opinions about it. It is worth mentioning which Afrin spray has reviews.
Release form and composition of the drug
Afrin medicine is produced in two forms. You can buy a spray for sinuses or drops for use on the eye area. When you receive a doctor’s prescription, you should definitely specify which form is recommended for you.
Afrin medicine (a cold spray) contains xylometazoline hydrochloride. It is available in bottles with a special spray, clicking on which, you get one dose of the drug.
When is this medicine prescribed? Indications
To whom and in what cases is it necessary to use the Afrin spray? Instructions for use contain the following information.
The composition is recommended for the treatment of colds and bacterial diseases of the nasal cavity, which are accompanied by congestion and shortness of breath. Also, the drug is necessary as a means of complex therapy for the correction of ear infections. The composition is used before preparing for surgical interventions and before being examined by an otorhinolaryngologist. The spray is actively used during allergic reactions, which have the following symptoms: sneezing, nasal congestion, secretion of mucus from the sinuses, and so on.
What contraindications does the drug have?
Is it possible for everyone to carry out symptomatic treatment and use the Afrin spray? Instructions for use indicate some limitations.
Composition categorically can not be used to treat young children. Doctors say that this form of medicine is prohibited until the child is six years old. Afrin spray during pregnancy is also contraindicated. This is due to the possibility of an increase in blood pressure in the expectant mother, which can lead to some complications.
The medicine can not be used in the presence of hypersensitivity to the main component of the drug. Otherwise, an allergic reaction may develop. It is forbidden to use the same bottle by several persons. This can cause the spread of infection.
Afrin spray: how to use the medicine?
Before introducing the composition into the sinuses , thoroughly clean the passages. To do this, you can use special formulations or salted liquid. Also, sometimes doctors recommend flushing the nose with saline.
After cleansing the moves, you can use the Afrin spray. Moisturizing composition is applied twice a day. In this case, you need to choose the time so that equal intervals are obtained. The effect of such treatment will be maximum. It is better to apply the composition in the morning and evening.
One dose of the drug is equal to a single injection. Depending on the type of pathology, another “Afrin” medication regimen may be chosen. Instructions for use indicate that the composition is administered in two or three doses in each nasal passage.
When using the composition as a means of complex therapy for the treatment of inflammation of the organs of the ear, three times a day are prescribed. In this case, one dose of spray is recommended in each nostril. Such manipulation should be carried out a few minutes before the use of ear drops and compresses. This will help to maximize the release of the Eustachian tube from edema and enhance the effect of the drug.
The course of use of the composition should be determined solely by the doctor. If you have not received a recommendation in this regard, then you can apply this type of treatment for no more than three days. After this, you should consult a doctor in the absence of a positive effect.
Drug action
Immediately after the introduction of the composition into the nasal passages, its active effect begins. The spray is evenly distributed over the mucous membranes of the walls of the sinuses. Penetrating through tissues, the substance acts on nearby vessels. There is a narrowing of the capillaries and a decrease in edema.
The composition also has an antiallergic effect. It relieves itching, burning and prevents the urge to sneeze. The work of the lacrimal channels and mucous membranes is inhibited. As a result, the amount of secretions decreases and lacrimation passes.
What can be side effects after using the drug?
In most cases, patients tolerate Afrin spray well. Instructions for use indicate rare cases of adverse reactions. More often they are associated with an unpleasant sensation on the nasal mucosa. These include slight itching, tingling and burning. All these signs pass literally in a few seconds and do not require a change in the treatment regimen.
In some cases, an allergy to the composition of the drug may develop. In this case, redness of the skin, a rash appears, and nasal congestion increases. In especially difficult situations, Quincke's edema develops. With this combination of circumstances, you should immediately consult a doctor for emergency assistance and change treatment.
If the composition will be used for young children, temporary choking may occur. This is due to the injection of the composition at the time of the inspiration of the baby. Also, the pipette can damage the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, since its size is intended for use by an adult.
How to store the composition?
How much and under what conditions is Afrin spray stored? The instruction says the following. The composition should be in cardboard packaging and placed out of the reach of children. In this condition, it can be stored for about five years from the date of manufacture. Always pay attention to the production date.
If you opened the spray, then you need to use it in the near future. At the same time, the composition can be stored at a temperature of 2 to 30 degrees. Remember that when the medicine is in the refrigerator, you must first warm it before use.
Features of using the tool
As you already know, the composition is not recommended for use by several people at once. Such treatment is only possible with separate or disposable nebulizers. It is also better not to use the spray at different periods of the disease, since an extensive spread of a new infection to already affected areas may occur.
After treatment is complete, remove the spray bottle from the container and rinse it thoroughly. When re-applying the nozzle, it must be disinfected. This can be done with alcohol, peroxide or ordinary boiling.
Afrin spray: reviews
Most doctors are afraid to prescribe this composition to their patients because of its novelty. Doctors prefer recommending old and proven medications. However, this is not always correct.
Patients say that Afrin spray is very easy to use. After its use comes instant relief of breathing. You can again smell the smells, not be afraid of allergies. Consumers say that the composition has a rather long-lasting effect. You will no longer have to leave the workplace several times a day to administer the medicine. It is enough to apply a spray to the mucous membrane of the nose in the morning and evening.
Pharmacists argue that the spray has a fairly inexpensive cost compared to similar drugs. One package of medicine will cost you no more than 250 rubles, while other similar drugs cost at least 400 rubles.
Also, patients really like the fact that they can independently choose the type of spray. It can be original, enchanting, with eucalyptus or sea water. These components also have a therapeutic effect.
Summing up the article
You have read the instructions for use of the drug "Afrin". Also, you have become aware of the main reviews about this medicine. Remember that the appointment should always be issued by a doctor. Self-medication, especially when the scheme is chosen incorrectly, can lead to unexpected consequences and complications. Use Afrin Spray as directed. Only in this case you will achieve maximum effect. Health to you, as well as your loved ones!