Avoid oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray beyond 3 days

What to Do

Do not use oxymetazoline (Afrin) or other decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 consecutive days. They provide fast relief but cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) with continued use.

Why It Works

Decongestant sprays constrict nasal blood vessels, providing immediate relief within minutes. However, after 3-5 days of use, the nasal tissue becomes dependent — when the spray wears off, congestion returns worse than before, creating a vicious cycle that can last weeks or months.

Tips

• Reserve Afrin for emergencies only (flights with severe congestion, important events)
• If already dependent, taper off by using in one nostril at a time while switching to a nasal corticosteroid
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the safe long-term alternative for congestion