Drixoral was a very popular over-the-counter (OTC) cold relief medication advertised on U.S. television in the 1980s. One of its best-selling products was a tablet called Drixoral Cold and Allergy which contained the antihistamine, dexbrompheniramine, and the decongestant, pseudoephedrine. That product was discontinued in 2008. The brand name Drixoral is now used by Schering Plough Canada Inc. to market a nasal spray that contains oxymetazoline 0.05%.
What medical conditions does Drixoral treat?
Nasal congestion caused by the common cold, allergies, and hay fever
Many people think that the cause of their congestion is too much thick mucus. But anything that irritates the tissue inside of your nose can cause swelling and congestion. Some of the most common causes of a stuffy nose are allergies and infections such as the flu, sinusitis, or the common cold. Irritants in the air like car exhaust, dust, and cigarette smoke can also cause you to become congested. Some people have a condition called nonallergic rhinitis where they have a congested or runny nose without any known cause.
What is the active ingredient in Drixoral?
Generic equivalent of Drixoral: oxymetazoline
Drixoral is a decongestant nasal spray that is used to help treat symptoms of allergies and infections such as the common cold. It may be combined with other cold and pain relief medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
General Drug Information and FAQs
What does Drixoral do?
Drixoral is a decongestant that works by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of your nasal passages to help relieve the symptoms of congestion and sinus pressure.
How do you take Drixoral?
Always read the patient information leaflet before using this and any other medication.
Use Drixoral nasal spray exactly as directed. Do not use it more often than prescribed by your doctor or directed on the package’s label.
Shake well before each use and blow your nose before each use. To spray, squeeze the bottle firmly and quickly. Don’t tilt your head backward while spraying. Be sure to wipe the nozzle clean after each use.
For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose is 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril every 12 hours. Do not use it more than twice in 24 hours.
Do not use Drixoral for more than 3 days. Using it for longer than 3 days can make your congestion worse or cause it to come back. If you are still congested after 3 days, stop using Drixoral and contact your healthcare provider.
Before taking Drixoral
You should not use Drixoral if you have a known allergy to oxymetazoline or any inactive ingredient in this product’s formulation. You should also be sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical conditions before starting Drixoral, including:
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Currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days
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Narrow-angle glaucoma
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Heart disease or high blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Thyroid disease
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Prostate problems or difficulty urinating
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Pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Drixoral drug interactions
When Drixoral is taken with other medications, it can change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should discuss with a healthcare professional whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including MAOIs such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Drixoral side effects
Some side effects of Drixoral include:
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Burning and stinging in the nose
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Sneezing
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Watery eyes
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Rebound congestion if used for more than 3 days
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Headache
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Dryness in the nose
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Runny nose
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Insomnia
Drixoral can sometimes cause more serious side effects including:
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Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions that may require immediate first aid, including hives, swelling, or shortness of breath
This is not a full list of the side effects of this medication. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about any possible side effects you experience while taking Drixoral. You can also report your adverse reactions to the FDA toll-free at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How much does Drixoral cost?
Drixoral is a brand-name OTC medication with no generic version available. You can order Drixoral to be delivered to your doorstep for around $13 from Universal Drug Store.
We work with a number of Canadian pharmacies and international pharmacies from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Turkey, all licensed by the qualified pharmaceutical regulatory bodies of their respective countries.
Check out Universal Drugstore’s online pharmacy in Canada for the lowest price available on Drixoral and many other medications, no coupon needed!
Why were Drixoral tablets discontinued?
Drixoral was taken off the US market in 2008 by Merck. The company's website stated that it was due to them changing the manufacturing location. However, the product never made it back onto the market. One reason it may have been discontinued was because it contained pseudoephedrine and the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 restricted the amount you could buy. This may have led to lower sales and a loss of revenue.
Drixoral alternatives
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