Rhofade and dosage: Strength, form, when to use, and more

Rhofade and dosage (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) is a prescription drug. It’s used to treat persistent facial skin redness or discoloration caused by rosacea. The drug comes as a topical cream that’s typically applied once daily.

Rhofade is used in adults to treat persistent, or ongoing, facial redness or discoloration that’s caused by rosacea.

The active ingredient in Rhofade is oxymetazoline hydrochloride. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Rhofade belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-adrenoceptor agonists.

This article describes the dosage of Rhofade, as well as its strength and how it’s applied. To learn more about Rhofade, see this in-depth article.

What is Rhofade’s dosage?

This section describes the usual dosages of Rhofade. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Rhofade’s form?

Rhofade comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin. It’s available in a tube or a bottle with a pump.

What strength does Rhofade come in?

Rhofade comes in one strength of 10 milligrams per gram (g) of cream.

It’s available in two sizes:

  • 30 g (tube and pump bottle)
  • 60 g (tube and pump bottle)

What are the usual dosages of Rhofade?

Your doctor will start you on the recommended dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for rosacea

Rhofade is used in adults with persistent facial redness or discoloration from rosacea. The typical dosage is a pea-size amount that’s applied to the entire face in a thin layer once daily.

If you have questions about your dosage of Rhofade, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Rhofade used long term?

Yes, Rhofade is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use Rhofade long term.

How is Rhofade used?

Rhofade comes as a cream that you apply to your skin once per day. You’ll apply a pea-size amount of the cream in a thin layer over your entire face, including your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.

Here are tips for using Rhofade:

  • If you’re using the bottle form of Rhofade, prime the bottle before your first use. To do this, press the pump until it dispenses cream. Then pump three more times and throw away the cream dispensed from those first pumps. Use the cream from further pumps. (You don’t need to prime the bottle again for future use.)
  • Wash your hands after applying Rhofade.
  • Avoid getting Rhofade in your eyes or on your lips.
  • Don’t swallow Rhofade. It isn’t for oral use. In addition, don’t use it vaginally.
  • Don’t apply Rhofade to irritated skin or open wounds.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Rhofade, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Rhofade, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next dose at its usual time. Don’t use two doses of Rhofade at once to make up for a missed dose. This could increase your risk for side effects of the medication.

If you need help remembering to use your dose of Rhofade on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

What should be done in case of overdose?

Don’t use more Rhofade than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Rhofade isn’t for oral use.

Symptoms caused by accidental swallowing of similar drugs by children include:

  • fast or slow heart rate
  • nausea and vomiting
  • slow breathing
  • sleepiness or drowsiness
  • high or low blood pressure
  • low body temperature
  • large pupils
  • coma

What to do in case you use too much Rhofade

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Rhofade. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Rhofade’s dosage.

Is Rhofade’s dosage similar to the dosages of Soolantra?

The form and how often you use each drug are the same, but the drugs have other differences.

Rhofade (oxymetazoline) and Soolantra (ivermectin) both come as a cream that’s applied to the face once daily. However, the doses given differ. In addition, the drugs treat different symptoms of rosacea. Rhofade is used to treat persistent facial redness, while Soolantra is used to treat acne-like bumps.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Rhofade to start working?

Rhofade starts to work after your first dose. However, it may take several days to weeks for you to notice a change in your skin redness or discoloration. This is because how quickly Rhofade starts to visibly treat your condition depends on the severity of your skin redness. It also depends on how your body responds to Rhofade treatment.

Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Rhofade treatment, talk with your doctor.

What should I ask my doctor?

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by Rhofade’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Rhofade without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Rhofade exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How does Rhofade’s dosage compare with the dosage of Mirvaso (brimonidine)?
  • Would I need a dosage adjustment if I’m using Rhofade with other medications for my condition?
  • Will increasing my dosage of Rhofade raise my risk for side effects?

To learn more about Rhofade, see this article: Rhofade (oxymetazoline).

3 Comments

  1. Thank you for this detailed overview of Rhofade! It’s really helpful to understand its strength and different forms, plus when it’s most effective to use. This information makes it easier to discuss treatment options with my dermatologist.

  2. This is such a helpful and comprehensive guide on Rhofade! Understanding the correct dosage and form is crucial for effective treatment, and your detailed explanations make it so much easier to follow. Thanks for breaking it all down so clearly!

  3. This article provides comprehensive insights into the usage and dosage of Rhofade. It’s incredibly helpful to see detailed information on the strength and forms available, as well as guidelines on when to use this medication. As someone considering Rhofade for rosacea treatment, I appreciate the clear, concise breakdown. Thank you for making complex medical information accessible and understandable!

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