Do you sometimes suddenly turn red and feel embarrassed? Or do you always have red spots on your face? This condition may make you a little hesitant to socialize. The medical name for this is rosacea . So today we are going to talk about a special cream that is used to treat this condition . That is Oxymetazoline.
What is Oxymetazoline? How does it work?
Oxymetazoline is a medication used to reduce persistent facial erythema caused by the condition rosacea . It comes as a cream. Your doctor may also prescribe it under the brand name `( RHOFADE )`.
Imagine, there is a very delicate, tiny network of blood vessels under our skin. In a person with rosacea , these blood vessels are a little wider, and more blood flows through them. That's why the face looks red. So, when this Oxymetazoline cream is applied to the skin, it temporarily narrows the blood vessels . Then, the blood flow to them decreases, reducing the redness and blotchiness of the face for a few hours.
The important thing is that this is not a cure for rosacea , but it can help you manage your symptoms and make your daily life easier.
Things you should tell your doctor before using this cream
Before taking any medication, it is very important to tell your doctor your complete health history. Because one medication can affect another. The same is true with Oxymetazoline cream. If you have any of the following medical conditions or conditions, be sure to inform your doctor before using this cream.
| Illness or condition | Why should I inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Because this drug affects blood vessels, it can affect diabetes-related complications. |
| Glaucoma | Due to a disease related to eye pressure, this medicine can sometimes cause side effects. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure | Because this causes blood vessels to constrict, it is essential to be aware of heart and blood pressure issues. |
| If you have had a stroke | Because it affects the circulatory system, prior history is important. |
| Circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon, Scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, Thromboangiitis obliterans | Because all of these diseases are related to blood vessels, Oxymetazoline can worsen symptoms. |
| Thyroid disease | This should be noted because thyroid hormone levels affect blood pressure. |
| Difficulty urinating due to enlarged prostate in men | This class of medications can sometimes affect the urinary system. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is very important to talk to your doctor about the possible effects on your child. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | This is important to know if you are allergic to oxymetazoline or anything else it contains. |
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.
- Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the cream.
- For topical use only: This is a topical medication only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this cream get in your eyes, lips, or inside your mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately open your eyes and rinse them thoroughly with clean (cool tap water).
- Correct amount: Use only the amount your doctor tells you to use. Usually, a pea-sized amount is enough to cover your entire face, including your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Apply a thin film.
- Schedule: Try to sing at the same time every day.
- Other creams: If you are using other medicated creams on your face, do not apply them both at the same time. Apply them at different times of the day. Consult your doctor about this.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken more than you think, or if someone, especially a small child, has accidentally taken this, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Even if your friend has similar symptoms, do not give this cream without the advice of a doctor.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Oh, you forgot, didn't you? It's okay. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Some medications can affect how they work when taken together. This is called a drug interaction. Below are some medications that may interact with Oxymetazoline cream.
- Some medications used to treat enlarged prostates in men (e.g. alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin).
- Some medications for high blood pressure and heart disease (e.g. ace-inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, digoxin, diuretics).
- MAOIs (e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline), which are used to treat conditions such as depression.
This list is not complete. So don't forget to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, or dietary supplement you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor or ETU immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Where the cream was applied | Minor burning, itching, or irritation. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it too.
How to properly store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Disposal: Do not use expired medications. They should be disposed of. The best way to dispose of expired, unused medications is to check with a hospital or nearby pharmacy to see if they have a program for this. Or, ask your doctor about it. If the label says it is suitable for disposal in the trash, take the cream out of the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a bag, seal it well, and put it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Oxymetazoline is a topical cream that treats facial redness and blemishes caused by rosacea .
- Before using this, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma) and all other medications you are taking.
- Just use the prescribed amount at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor. Avoid contact with eyes and lips.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or difficulty breathing.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others without medical advice.
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