Curious about medicine lists - Afrin

[CM6985]

Why is it that some OB/GYN medicine lists say it's okay to take Afrin nasal spray for congestion and others say it's not okay? One of my pregnancy books also says its okay. It's my understanding that it's not systemic (so it doesn't enter the bloodstream, it stays in the nose), so is rebound congestion the only concern? I understand concerns if a person is addicted to it and using it all the time, then maybe there's an issue, but for someone who has a head cold, who is using it only at night to sleep (and is only using 1/2 a spray for each nostril) and who stays within the 3 day  limit as instructed on the bottle...is there any harm in that??

[dani0314]

Nasal sprays are fine as long as they aren't prescription ones. I am taking afrin because i have a viral infection. It's nothing to worry about.

[abienoona]

if your OB thinks its okay to take, then it should be. Otherwise she would not have included that on the list. Sometimes it depends upon what you have already been taking, and if you have normal pregnancy...if you have a doubt, u could always call ur OB and if youre still unconvinced, go with ur gut. If it doesnt seem right, dont go for it. Just like food , when in doubt throw it out... but its much better to seek opinion esp now ur pregnant.