Oxymetazoline topical cream

What is this medicine?

Oxymetazoline (OX ee me TAZ oh leen) is used on the skin to treat facial redness caused by rosacea.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Prime the pump before first use. Shake well before each use. Apply pea-size amount of cream to cover the entire face with thin layer. Keep away from the eyes and mouth. If accidental contact occurs, large amounts of water should be used to rinse the affected area. If your eyes are still irritated, contact your doctor or health care professional. Wash your hands after use. If you are using other topical medicines, apply them at different times of the day.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

• pain, redness, irritation at site where applied

What may interact with this medicine?

The medicine may interaction with the following medications:

• MAOIs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine

• medicines to treat blood pressure and heart disease like ace-inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, digoxin, and diuretics

• medicines to treat enlarged prostate like alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high or low blood pressure

• history of stroke

• Raynaud's phenomenon

• scleroderma

• Sjogren's syndrome

• thyroid disease

• thromboangiitis obliterans

• trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

• an unusual or allergic reaction to oxymetazoline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medicine can make certain skin conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care provider has prescribed.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes or on your lips. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.