Oxymetazoline is a phenol with 2,4-dimethyl groups and substituents at positions 3 and 6: 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl and tert-butyl, respectively. It is a direct-acting sympathomimetic with strong alpha-adrenergic activity, functioning as a vasoconstrictor. Commonly used as the hydrochloride salt, it relieves nasal congestion. It acts as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, sympathomimetic agent, nasal decongestant, and vasoconstrictor. It belongs to the classes of phenols, carboxamidines, and imidazolines, and is the conjugate base of oxymetazoline(1+).
