xylometazoline hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical nasal sympathomimetic decongestant with alpha-adrenergic activity.
How it is given
Applied inside the nose as drops or a metered spray. Device instructions differ between products.
What is xylometazoline hydrochloride used for?
Selected products are licensed for symptom relief rather than treatment of the underlying cause.
Nasal congestion associated with the common cold.
Allergic or perennial rhinitis, including hay fever.
Sinusitis-associated nasal congestion.
Selected sprays also cover congestion associated with influenza, non-allergic rhinitis and other upper respiratory tract allergies.
How does xylometazoline hydrochloride work?
It stimulates alpha-adrenoceptors in blood vessels within the nasal lining. This constricts the vessels, reduces swelling and opens the nasal passages. Some systemic absorption can occur.
xylometazoline hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Nasal preparation
Route: Nasal
Strengths: 0.1%, 0.1% w/v
How to take xylometazoline hydrochloride
Use only inside the nose and avoid contact with the eyes. Follow the product leaflet because spray pumps and drop devices differ. Selected child drops require adult supervision.
Check that the formulation is suitable for the user's age.
Follow the supplied spray or drop technique.
Do not combine oral or nasal sympathomimetic decongestants.
xylometazoline hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nasal dryness, discomfort, irritation or burning.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Nosebleed.
- Sneezing or nasal itching with some products.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, marked blood-pressure effects or severe dizziness.
- Hallucinations, pronounced agitation, sleep disturbance or visual disturbance.
- Severe or persistent rebound congestion after excessive or prolonged use.
- Respiratory depression, seizure, coma or profound drowsiness after overdose or accidental ingestion.
xylometazoline hydrochloride in pregnancy
UK specialist guidance does not recommend decongestants during pregnancy because vasoconstriction could reduce placental blood flow. Selected product information advises avoiding xylometazoline or using it only when a clinician judges that the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
xylometazoline hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether xylometazoline enters human milk. Selected product information recommends individual clinical assessment; check with a pharmacist, GP or other prescriber before use.
xylometazoline hydrochloride interactions
Clinically important sympathomimetic interactions are possible, and restrictions differ between products.
Other sympathomimetic decongestants, including pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine or oxymetazoline
Do not combine oral or nasal decongestants because duplicate sympathomimetic effects increase the risk of harm.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide
Concurrent or recent use can dangerously raise blood pressure and is contraindicated in selected products.
Common questions about xylometazoline hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does xylometazoline hydrochloride cure a cold or sinus infection?
No. It temporarily relieves nasal blockage but does not treat the underlying cause.
Is it a steroid nasal spray?
No. It is a sympathomimetic decongestant that constricts swollen nasal blood vessels.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.