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Is It Safe To Take Flonase And Afin Together?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Jun 2013
Question: How addictive can Afrin be potentially?
Also if Flonase & Afrin would be not good to take @ the same time
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sujoy Khan (6 hours later)
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.

Afrin nasal spray contains Xylometazoline, a very good chemical that acts as a decongestant. But the body rapidly builds up resistance against the chemical and after using it for more than 7 days, you get exactly the opposite symptoms (i.e., congested nose).

It is not addictive, but prolonged use makes the nasal tissues resistant to the effect of other sprays such as steroid sprays, so much so that the rebound nasal congestion is the worst symptom you can get. This is called rhinitis medicamentosa.

So, for short term use Afrin is excellent but do ensure you start on Nasonex or Flixonase nasal spray after that to ensure a long-term relief. Once you start Nasonex or Flixonase, use it for at least 2 months. It takes 4 weeks to start working, so dont stop after a few days. You must learn the correct technique of using the spray, else it does not work. Long acting antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Allegra helps the nasal spray to work better.

I hope that was useful.
Best Wishes.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sujoy Khan

Allergist and Immunologist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 584 Questions

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Is It Safe To Take Flonase And Afin Together?

Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.

Afrin nasal spray contains Xylometazoline, a very good chemical that acts as a decongestant. But the body rapidly builds up resistance against the chemical and after using it for more than 7 days, you get exactly the opposite symptoms (i.e., congested nose).

It is not addictive, but prolonged use makes the nasal tissues resistant to the effect of other sprays such as steroid sprays, so much so that the rebound nasal congestion is the worst symptom you can get. This is called rhinitis medicamentosa.

So, for short term use Afrin is excellent but do ensure you start on Nasonex or Flixonase nasal spray after that to ensure a long-term relief. Once you start Nasonex or Flixonase, use it for at least 2 months. It takes 4 weeks to start working, so dont stop after a few days. You must learn the correct technique of using the spray, else it does not work. Long acting antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Allegra helps the nasal spray to work better.

I hope that was useful.
Best Wishes.