About Xylometazoline 0.1% Spray
Xylometazoline 0.1% Spray contains Xylometazoline 0.1%. This is a nasal spray or drops that quickly clears a blocked nose caused by colds, sinus problems or allergies. It works within minutes, but it should be used for only a few days at a time, because longer use can make the blockage come back worse.
Uses of Xylometazoline 0.1% Spray
- Blocked nose with a cold
- Blocked nose with sinusitis
- Blocked nose with hay fever or other allergies
Benefits
In a blocked nose
It opens up the nose within a few minutes and the effect lasts several hours, which can help you breathe and sleep more easily. It eases symptoms but does not treat the cause.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Stinging, burning or dryness inside the nose
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Nosebleed
Get medical help if you notice
- Blocked nose that returns or worsens after stopping, from overuse — see your doctor
- Fast or irregular heartbeat or a rise in blood pressure — stop using it and contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor or the label advises. Blow your nose gently first. Keep your head upright, put the nozzle just inside one nostril and spray while breathing in gently through the nose; repeat in the other nostril. Wipe the nozzle after use. This strength is for adults and children over 12 years. Do not use it for more than 7 days in a row.
How it works
It narrows the swollen blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This reduces swelling and opens up the nasal passages.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It should not be used in pregnancy unless a doctor specifically advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving when used as directed.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
It is used when needed. Do not use extra sprays to make up for a missed one.
Quick tips
- Do not use it for more than 7 days in a row — longer use can cause a rebound blocked nose.
- Do not share your spray with others, to avoid spreading infection.
- Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.
- Children under 12 need a weaker product; ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Imidazoline derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory / nasal care
- Action class
- Alpha-adrenergic agonist (nasal decongestant)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| MAOI antidepressants (now or in the last 14 days) | May cause a rise in blood pressure |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | May increase effects on the heart and blood pressure |
| Other decongestant medicines (tablets or sprays) | Can add to side effects such as raised blood pressure |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Xylometazoline nasal spray prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Xylometazoline 0.1% nasal spray Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.