Afrin Side Effects, How to Use Afrin, & More FAQs | Afrin

FAQs plus tips for using Afrin nasal sprays

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO USE AFRIN AND GET ANSWERS TO YOUR MOST PRESSING QUESTIONS.

How to open an Afrin child-resistant cap

Here’s how to open either cap – spray or pump mist.

Illustration of how to open the Afrin® Pump Mist child resistant cap

TO OPEN: 

  1. Place bottom of bottle on flat surface. 
  2. Push firmly down on cap and turn counter
    clockwise.
  3. Secure cap after use. 

For questions regarding the child-resistant packaging, please contact us at: 1-800-317-2165

Illustration of how to open the Afrin® Nasal Spray child resistant cap

TO OPEN: 

  1. Hold white tabs.
  2. Push firmly down on grooved area of cap and turn counter clockwise.
  3. Secure cap after use.

For questions regarding the child-resistant packaging, please contact us at: 1-800-317-2165

How to use Afrin No Drip Pump Mist

Follow the directions closely. Use only as directed.

READ DRUG FACTS HERE 

Illustration of a hand squeezing the Afrin® Nasal Spray bottle

Shake well before use.

Illustration of a hand priming the Afrin® Pump Mist bottle

Before using the first time, remove the cap and prime the metered pump by depressing firmly several times.

Illustration of a hand priming the Afrin® Pump Mist bottle

To spray, hold bottle with thumb at base and nozzle between first and second fingers. Fully depress rim with a firm, even stroke and sniff deeply.

Illustration of head tilting back, crossed out to connote what not to do

Do not tilt head backward while spraying.

Illustration of a hand spraying the Afrin® Pump Mist bottle into a nose

Spray 2 or 3 times in each nostril, but not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.

Illustration of a hand wiping the Afrin® Pump Mist bottle

Wipe nozzle clean after use.

How to use Afrin Nasal Spray

Follow the directions closely. Use only as directed.

READ DRUG FACTS HERE

The Afrin® Nasal Spray nozzle

To spray, squeeze bottle quickly and firmly.

Illustration of a hand spraying Afrin® Nasal Spray into a nose

Spray 2 or 3 times in each nostril, but not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.

Illustration of head tilting back, crossed out to connote what not to do

Do not tilt head backward while spraying.

Illustration of a hand wiping the Afrin® Nasal Spray bottle

Wipe nozzle clean after use.

FAQs

Click on a question below to see the answer.

IS IT SAFE TO USE AFRIN EVERY DAY?

Do not use Afrin products for more than three days. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.

If you still need a nasal decongestant after using Afrin for 3 days, please consult your healthcare professional. In addition:

  • Carefully read the product label
  • Use only as directed
  • Call 1-800-317-2165 (Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm EST) with any questions.

    HOW DO YOU OPEN THE CAP/BOTTLE?

    Directions for opening the bottle are different depending on the Afrin product you’re using – either spray or pump mist. Click here or scroll to the top of this page for details.

    HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT IN BETWEEN USES?


    Always read the full labeling before using any drug product. Afrin products can provide relief from your symptoms for up to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. Do not use for more than 3 days. Never use Afrin more often than every 10 to 12 hours according to labeling directions. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. In addition:

    Carefully read the product label
    Use only as directed
    Call 1-800-317-2165 (Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm CST) with any questions.

    WHAT’S THE DOSAGE FOR AN ADULT?

    Adults and children 6 to under 12 years of age (with adult supervision): 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period.

    Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor.

    In addition:

    • Carefully read the product label
    • Use only as directed
    • Call 1-800-317-2165 (Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm CST) with any questions.

    SHOULD AFRIN NIGHT ONLY BE TAKEN AT NIGHT?

    No, it can be used during the day or at night. It does not provide any ingredients to make you drowsy but provides 12 hours of congestion relief with a soothing chamomile scent.

    WHICH AFRIN SHOULD I CHOOSE?

    Whether you have a cold, allergies, or both, Afrin Nasal Sprays can help relieve your nasal congestion when used as directed. Every single product has same active ingredient. You can learn more about each product from the PRODUCTS page.

    No Drip formulas come in a pump mist bottle and won’t drip down your nose or throat. Nasal Sprays come in a squeeze bottle – though you can get Afrin Original as either a pump mist or a spray. Each one works instantly and provides up to 12 hours of nasal congestion relief due to cold or allergies:

    • The Night product is specifically formulated with a soothing chamomile scent. The glycerin in Afrin moisturizes your nasal passage. 
    • Severe Congestion products provide a maximum strength formula with the aromatic power of menthol.
    • Extra Moisturizing products contain glycerin that soothes and moisturizes dry irritated nasal passages.
    • Allergy Sinus products provide fast, powerful relief from your nasal and sinus congestion due to cold or allergies.

    In addition:

    • Carefully read the product label
    • Use only as directed
    • Call 1-800-317-2165 (Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm EST) with any questions.

      WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

      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.

      IS IT SAFE TO GIVE AFRIN TO MY CHILD?

      Ask your doctor before giving Afrin to a child under 6 years old. Children ages 6 to 12 should always take Afrin with adult supervision. In addition:

      • Carefully read the product label
      • Use only as directed
      • Call 1-800-317-2165 (Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm CST) with any questions.

        DOES AFRIN ALLERGY SINUS RELIEVE SYMPTOMS FROM INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ALLERGENS?

        Afrin helps relieve nasal congestion from colds and allergies – whether indoor or outdoor allergens. You may still have other allergy symptoms – itchy, watery eyes, for example – that Afrin doesn’t treat, so remember to talk to your healthcare professional before using Afrin in addition to other medicines.