Rhofade (oxymetazoline) is a brand-name drug prescribed for lasting facial redness or discoloration in adults with rosacea. Rhofade comes as a topical cream that’s typically used once per day.

Rhofade belongs to a drug class called alpha-1A receptor agonists. It’s not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Rhofade, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Rhofade, see this article.

Note: This article describes the typical dosage for Rhofade provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Rhofade, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Rhofade’s form, strength, and dosage.

Rhofade form

Rhofade comes as a topical cream that you apply to most of your face. The cream is available in a tube or pump. Both forms come in sizes of 30 grams (g) and 60 g.

Rhofade strength

Rhofade comes in one strength of 1%. It contains 10 milligrams (mg) of oxymetazoline hydrochloride per gram of cream.

Typical dosage

The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for rosacea

Doctors may prescribe Rhofade to treat lasting facial redness or discoloration associated with rosacea.

If your doctor prescribes Rhofade, the recommended dosage is one application of cream once per day. One application uses a pea-sized amount of cream.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Rhofade is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Rhofade is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

Before you start using Rhofade, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Rhofade comes as a cream that you apply to your face once per day. It’s best to use it at the same time each day. You’ll apply a pea-sized amount of Rhofade in a thin layer to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. After using the cream, wash your hands right away.

Rhofade should not make contact with your eyes, mouth, or vagina. The medication isn’t meant for these areas. When putting Rhofade on your face, take care to avoid your eyes and lips. Also, avoid using Rhofade on skin that’s irritated or broken.

If your doctor prescribes the Rhofade pump, you’ll need to prime it so it’s ready for use. You can ask your pharmacist about this or read the “Instructions for Use” in the drug’s prescribing information.

You’ll store Rhofade at room temperature, out of the reach of children. For more information on Rhofade’s storage, see the “Expiration” section of this article.

If you have questions about how to use Rhofade, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website under “How to apply” on the menu.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

Rhofade’s prescribing information doesn’t address missed doses. If you miss a dose and need advice, call your pharmacist or doctor. If the missed dose is recent, they’ll likely recommend using Rhofade as soon as you remember.

If it’s almost time for your next use, they may advise skipping the missed dose. In that case, use your next regular dose as scheduled. Do not apply two doses to make up for a missed dose. If you’re not sure of what to do, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, writing a calendar reminder, or using a medication timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

You should use Rhofade in the way your doctor prescribes. It’s important not to swallow Rhofade. Swallowing Rhofade may lead to harmful effects or overdose, especially in a child, and could result in hospitalization.

Symptoms of an overdose

Symptoms from swallowing Rhofade may include:

If you use more than the recommended amount of Rhofade

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve swallowed Rhofade or used too much Rhofade. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Frequently asked questions about Rhofade are explored below.

Is the dosage of Rhofade similar to the dosage of Soolantra?

Yes, the forms and how often you use each drug are similar. Rhofade and Soolantra (ivermectin) are both 1% creams used once per day. However, Rhofade and Soolantra treat different rosacea symptoms. Rhofade is for lasting skin redness or discoloration of the face. Soolantra is for raised red or discolored bumps called inflammatory lesions.

Rhofade’s dose is a pea-sized amount for the entire face (except for the lips and eyes). Soolantra’s prescribing information recommends a pea-sized amount for each affected area of the face (each cheek, forehead, nose, and chin). There are slight dose differences because they have different active ingredients and uses.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. 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 soon after use. However, the redness or discoloration in your face may not subside right away. It may take days or weeks to see a noticeable change, but try not to feel discouraged. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to determine whether Rhofade is working to treat your facial redness or discoloration.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Rhofade treatment.

The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Rhofade for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Rhofade without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Rhofade that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Rhofade. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.