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Afrin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Afrin has an average rating of 3.4 out of 10 from a total of 132 reviews on Drugs.com. 20% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 69% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Afrin

  • yar
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 6, 2020

For Nasal Congestion "Have used afrin in the past and it has always worked great. Completely cleared up congestion in 10 minutes. The problem is the rebound congestion 12 hours later. This time I've used for 3 straight days and the rebound is bad. Will try something different next time."

6 / 10
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8 Report
  • Sliml...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 6, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "So I had a cold and my nose was congested, I bought afrin. While it helped me breathe, it also caused me a terrible rebound congestion (like a physical addiction). After the cold was over, I still needed to use Afrin in order to breathe. It also somehow causing me to have more nasal discharge. I had to ask someone to send me different nose spray/drops from Russia. I used that and there was less nose discharge and I didn’t have to use it as much. Unfortunately, I ran out of it two days ago, and had to buy afrin again, and AGAIN my nose is soooo runny, and so congested after an hour of using afrin. I have contacted Afrin, the customer service is extremely rude. I mean this honestly ruined my life. Imagine needing to use afrin in order to breathe? Don’t get it!"

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • jGano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "NEVER NEVER TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I repeat NEVER. This medication put me in a worse position than I was before. I decided to take this because all of the pills weren’t working, but it does not help. Afrin says to put 2 squirts in each nostril every 10-12 hours. However, when doing that, it creates a horrible BURNING sensation in your nose and specifically your throat that lasts for hours. If you want to be congested and burning for hours, take this."

1 / 10
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9 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Chicago...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 12, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "Be careful when you use it. I tried using the product right before sleeping to breathe easier at night and it caused me a terrible insomnia both nights I used it. It also caused an increase discharge out of my sinuses. I guess it might have been a good experience if I used it for daytime."

3 / 10
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8 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 2, 2022

For Nasal Congestion "Allow me to add my voice to the choir who is absolutely maddened by the most idiotic, pointlessly difficult packaging I've ever used. I mean...I couldn't even get the packaging open. Afrin, get your head out of the clouds and actually use packaging that wasn't created by a drunk monkey. Then maybe I'll give you an honest assessment of your product."

1 / 10
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3 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Compu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2019

For Nasal Congestion "Afrin really needs to change the caps on their nasal spray. I am in a conference room with at least a dozen people and no one could get this bottle open. We tried everything recommended and all we get is that dreadful click. Finally after over a half hour I finally managed to get it open. I don't know what did it but it is fine now. Terrible design and beyond frustrating. I should have videoed the whole process so that people could laugh at us trying to open this stupid bottle."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • boycot...
  • August 9, 2022

For Nasal Congestion "OK, so as you can see this review was added in August of 2022. I noticed the top review was wrote in 2019 and the same issues apply, really shows what the manufacturer "manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Bayer HealthCare LLC." cares about their customers. "it’s kinda hard to use it when a company continues to make the same dumbass bottle cap that nobody can open. I spent 30 minutes trying to get the cap open and it wouldn’t work and at that point my hand was pure red. So I decided to use the backside of a hammer to pry it until it finally came off. It’s retarded that Afrin hasn’t changed this and I personally want to say a whole heartedly stuff you to the genius that invented this bottle cap.” Shame on Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Target, Rite Aid, ShopRite and of course, Walmart, just to expose a few...who are clearly aware of this package and yet continue to carry it."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Not...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 25, 2016

For Nasal Congestion "This childproof cap is not operable, I followed your instructions and wound up cutting the dam cap off. The good news for you is a child won't ingest your product and you won't get sued. The bad news is a pissed off adult might cut their hand with a knife and switch products. Good job product safety !!!"

8 / 10
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9 Report
  • Sandy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 13, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "My weak little baby hands had no issue getting the cap off. It took one second. Ya’ll must need some serious help on a regular basis if you can’t handle this easy to remove cap. I used this stuff for the first time last night and it is amazing! I could not breath AT ALL, and within a minute I could breath clearly like nothing was wrong. It REALLY works! It’s a fantastic product and I regret not using it for past common cold congestion issues while trying to sleep. Read the warnings and the side effects. Don’t abuse the drug. As they state on the directions you should not need it more than 3 days. If you have prolonged sinus issues, maybe try something else for regular use so you don’t cause harm. Thanks Afrin!"

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • Sonny
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 22, 2024

For Nasal Congestion "For those that have issues with the cap, try the generic version. I have used it for years off-label to help me with my sleep apnea since I can't use a CPAP. I only use it once a night before bedtime, and that, along with two pillows, works like a charm. I do have a bit of congestion once it wears off, but a small price to pay for the ability to sleep safely without apnea attacks. And yes, my physicians have been aware of this."

10 / 10
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1 Report
  • Nebit
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2017

For Nasal Congestion "I bought two of these because there were two of us in the household who had bad colds. We could not get the caps off. And, NO, we are not morons. We don't struggle with child-proof caps in general. We did follow the instructions. We also looked online and tried various suggestions. When you push down on the cap, the plastic neck gives way and recedes into the bottle. We even tried pliers to get a better grip. It didn't work. The old style bottled worked, but not the new ones. So, don't waste your money!"

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7 Report
  • Old...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2017

For Nasal Congestion "A friend of mine mentioned that this product will cost dependency. Even with that in mind my symptoms still led me to purchase it nonetheless. The good news is I'm not addicted to it nor dependent upon it, because I can't open it. This is the first and last time I will buy this product, whether they change the cap mechanism or not."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Nervo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 2, 2022

For Nasal Congestion "PROS: it cleared up my nasal congestion after 5 days of not being able to breathe normally and that was HEAVEN. CONS: it made my entire body tremor, my hands and feet sweat and my heart rate sit at 130+ . When awoken from my sleep with these symptoms, it felt very counterproductive seeing as I couldn’t fall back sleep feeling that nervous and shaky. I guess luckily I could breathe though. I do not have high blood pressure or any other diagnosed heart condition. Maybe I’ve just got a sensitive autonomic system that did not like that “adrenaline dump” right before bed. Afrin works as a vasoconstrictor, that can come with these above listed side effects. Lesson learned."

6 / 10
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3 Report
  • raquela
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 9, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "I've NEVER had the problem of getting a "child proof cap" off. It WAS fine...and now will not come off, no matter what I do. Will definitely buy a different brand from now on. This is the type of experience, and FRUSTRATION, that one does NOT FORGET!"

6 / 10
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6 Report
  • Camer...
  • December 31, 2016

For Nasal Congestion "What have they done?! They used a very cheap manufactured plastic bottle which can't be opened and used until drill a hole into it which leads to waste half the liquid, secondly its use makes your congestion worst completely blocked after its temorary effect is gone, you end up having no choice but become an addicted to its use.. never recommend it to anyone"

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Cools...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 8, 2019

For Nasal Congestion "I have seen some pretty horrible designs for packaging, but this has got to be the worst. I think the intentionally want people to buy their medicine and then be unable to open it and be forced to go through the mental quandary of do you drive back and return it for five bucks or do you just throw it in the trash and scream at the heavens. Who designed the cap for this bottle. The fact that they haven't been sued yet is a miracle."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • MPH
  • July 9, 2019

For Nasal Congestion "I cannot wait for the day I can open this stupid cap for the Afrin I’ve been trying for the past day, watch many YouTube videos, and 8 family members have tried to get into the bottle.Never buying this product again after this ongoing experience. I have lost this battle but I’ll win this war"

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Ash
  • January 21, 2019

For Nasal Congestion "Hey, Afrin. Maybe check your products before you send them out? The product I bought I guess is defective because it will NOT open. Obviously, push down and turn counterclockwise- easy enough? Apparently not for Afrin to figure out. I’ve tried getting the nasal spray to open, and the other 2 members of my household have tried as well. First time and last time buying anything from this brand. Now I have to take an extra trip to the store while sick and in the aftermath of a blizzard. Ridiculously frustrating."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Stuff...
  • January 17, 2016

For Nasal Congestion "I have been a satisfied Afrin loyalist for years, but as of today will no longer be able to say the same because the bottles are now outfitted with what appear to be new child protection safety caps, AND THEY ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN. Impossible. After removing the disposable outer plastic seal (not new), I and another perfectly able adult tried and tried to turn and remove the nozzle cap, without success. Meaning, this new design isn't just a minor hindrance or annoyance; we were NEVER able to open and use the product. It will have to be returned for refund. Disappointing!"

2 / 10
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7 Report
  • Wenda
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 21, 2022

For Nasal Congestion "I love Afrin. It’s the best for nasal congestion, however, the new cap is impossible to open. I am forced to change brands although I wish that I didn’t have to. I have a full bottle that I can’t use."

10 / 10
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2 Report
  • Harve...
  • November 17, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "The cap on the bottle is ridiculous. Can't get it off !!! Finally got it off after 15 minutes. Ended up using pliers.Also the spray gave me a horrendous headache and did very little for congestion. I will never waste my money on this product again!!!"

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 26, 2017

For Nasal Congestion "Awful experience!! Couldn't get the cap off so I spent 30 minutes trying to get it off. After 30 mins and a bloody cut up thumb I finally just grabbed my old bottle of nostrilla (which I would have much rather bought but couldn't find any at the store. For anyone reading this nostrilla is a 10/10 for me!!) Punctured a whole in the afrin bottle and squeezed the stuff into the nostrilla bottle... so nostrilla you the real MVP!!"

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • PCM
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 19, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "Product may be great but it's worthless if you can't open the bottle to use it. Horrific container design. Based on countless reviews and videos, this should have prompted product changes by now. Generic brand works just as we'll and doesn't waste valuable life trying to open the cap."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Pjano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 29, 2018

For Nasal Congestion "I forgot about my last experience with the darn cap when I bought this today because it had been quite awhile ago. Just took about 20 minutes practically tearing my fingers up trying to get the cap off. Finally picked up heavy duty pet nail clippers and cut through the side of the red cap to get to the spray. Ridiculous! I will forever remember not to buy this product again. The product works IF you can get to it."

2 / 10
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5 Report
  • Marie
  • January 18, 2017

For Nasal Congestion "Medication works great for nasal congestion. Now, trying to take off the lid is a different story, I almost returned it. After 3 mins a fellow coworker finally got the lid off. I understand child proofing but, this is ridiculous!!"

3 / 10
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6 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.