antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Ophthalmic antihistamine plus sympathomimetic decongestant
Usual role
Temporary relief of red, itchy eyes caused by allergy
Form
Clear, colourless eye-drop solution in a multidose bottle
Contact lenses
Do not use while wearing contact lenses
What is antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride used for?
Licensed UK use:
Temporary relief of eye redness and itching caused by seasonal allergies, including hay fever.
Temporary relief of eye redness and itching caused by perennial allergies, including house-dust allergy.
How does antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride work?
Antazoline blocks histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergy-related itching. Xylometazoline stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors and narrows superficial eye blood vessels, reducing redness.
How to take antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride
Use only in the eye. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and apply the drops without touching the bottle tip to the eye, eyelids or skin. Close the eye briefly; gentle pressure at the inner corner can reduce drainage into the nose. Keep different eye medicines separate rather than applying them together.
Do not use with contact lenses.
Do not share the bottle.
Do not drive or operate machinery until any blurred vision has cleared.
Discard the bottle 28 days after first opening and store it below 25°C.
antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effect is categorised as common in the SmPC. Effects reported with unknown frequency include eye stinging or irritation, blurred vision, increased redness, enlarged pupils, headache, drowsiness and nausea.
- An uncommon reported effect is a nosebleed.
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity, including rash, swelling or itching around the eye.
- Fast heartbeat, palpitations, abnormal heart rhythm or raised blood pressure.
- Severe eye pain, light sensitivity or altered vision requires urgent assessment because it may indicate another eye condition.
antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride in pregnancy
Use during pregnancy is not recommended unless a clinician considers it essential. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to assess whether this product or an alternative is appropriate.
antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The SmPC advises that it should not be administered during breastfeeding because transfer into human milk is unknown. Discuss an alternative or breastfeeding management with a prescriber or pharmacist.
antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride interactions
Systemic absorption is possible, so clinically relevant interactions may occur despite administration into the eye.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Use is contraindicated during MAOI treatment and shortly after it has stopped because sympathomimetic effects may be increased.
Alcohol, opioids, hypnotics, sedatives and antipsychotics
Sedating effects may be increased, including drowsiness and impaired alertness.
Atropine and medicines with antimuscarinic effects
Antimuscarinic effects may be additive.
Common questions about antazoline sulfate + xylometazoline hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What are these eye drops used for?
They temporarily relieve red, itchy eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
Are these drops an antibiotic?
No. Antazoline is an antihistamine and xylometazoline is a vasoconstrictor; the combination does not treat bacterial infection.
Can I wear contact lenses with these drops?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.