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.
TO OPEN:
- Place bottom of bottle on flat surface.
- Push firmly down on cap and turn counter
clockwise. - Secure cap after use.
For questions regarding the child-resistant packaging, please contact us at: 1-800-317-2165
TO OPEN:
- Hold white tabs.
- Push firmly down on grooved area of cap and turn counter clockwise.
- Secure cap after use.
For questions regarding the child-resistant packaging, please contact us at: 1-800-317-2165
How to use No Drip Afrin Pump Mist
Follow the directions closely. Use only as directed.
Shake well before use.
Before using the first time, remove the cap and prime the metered pump by depressing firmly several times.
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.
Do not tilt head backward while spraying.
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.
Wipe nozzle clean after use.
How to use Afrin Nasal Spray
Follow the directions closely. Use only as directed.
To spray, squeeze bottle quickly and firmly.
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.
Do not tilt head backward while spraying.
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 CST) with any questions.
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.
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.
There are many online and local stores that carry Afrin Nasal Sprays. Visit the FIND/BUY page for help.
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.
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:
- Severe Congestion products provide a maximum strength formula with the aromatic power of menthol.
- Extra Moisturizing products contain a special blend of ingredients that soothes and moisturizes dry irritated nasal passages.
- Allergy Sinus products provide fast, powerful relief from your allergy symptoms including sinus.
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.
Directions for using Afrin Nasal Sprays are on the top of this page. Click here or scroll to the top of this page for help.
Directions for using Afrin No Drip Pump Mist products are at the top of this page. Click here or scroll to the top of this page for help.
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.
When available, you can visit the coupon page to save money on Afrin products at your local store.
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.
When used as directed, Afrin relieves nasal congestion with instantly and lasts up to 12 hours.
None of the Afrin formulas contain gluten.
As with any medicine, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional about using Afrin in addition to other medicines.
Decongestants in pill form like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine can take longer to work. Afrin works directly on nasal membranes, giving you nasal congestion relief instantly and lasts up to 12 hours.
Afrin helps relieve nasal congestion from colds and airborne allergies – whether indoor or outdoor. 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.