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System Formulary Update
Topical Nasal Decongestants

Situation

The topical nasal decongestants class review and formulary standardization was approved at the October 2020 System Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meeting.

Background

The following medications were reviewed: oxymetazoline nasal spray, phenylephrine nasal spray and drops, tetrahydrozoline, sodium chloride nasal spray, sodium bicarbonate-sodium chloride nasal products

Assessment/Recommendation

Changes effective: Tuesday January 12, 2021

System P&T voted to include the following products on the UNC Health Medication Formulary:

• Oxymetazoline 0.05% nasal spray
• Phenylephrine 0.5% nasal spray
• Phenylephrine 0.125% nasal drops
• Sodium chloride 0.65% nasal spray
• Sodium chloride-aloe vera nasal gel

Note: Stock of these formulary products may vary at individual entities

As a result, the following products will be removed from the UNC Health Medication Formulary

• Tetrahydrozoline
• Oxymetazoline
  • With lidocaine nasal spray
  • 05% nasal mist
• Phenylephrine
  • 25% nasal spray
  • 1% nasal spray
  • 1% nasal drops
• Sodium bicarbonate-sodium chloride nasal products
• Sodium chloride
  • 65% nasal aerosol and nasal drops
  • 9% nasal solution, spray aerosol, and drops
  • 65% nasal spray aerosol
  • 3% nasal mist
  • With yerba santa-glycerin nasal spray