UK Registered DoctorsXylometazoline
Xylometazoline gives relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, perennial rhinitis, nasal congestion, and sinusitis.
Can I buy Xylometazoline online?
The Online Clinic can prescribe Xylometazoline online following a consultation. Please proceed by clicking on the free consultation button.
What is Xylometazoline?
Xylometazoline is used to reduce the symptoms of allergic or perennial rhinitis (inflammation of the mucus membranes lining the nose), nasal congestion (such as that experienced with a cold), and sinusitis (inflammation of the lining of the sinuses, i.e., the cavities in the bones between the eyes, behind the cheekbones, and in the forehead). It is a decongestant because it primarily provides relief from a blocked nose.
The active ingredient in Xylometazoline is xylometazoline hydrochloride. This medicine works by constricting the swollen blood vessels in the nose. Because blood vessels return to normal and mucus secretion is reduced, the mucus membranes of the nose and the back of the mouth become decongested, the nasal passages become cleared, and breathing is easier.
Xylometazoline is a clear solution supplied in nasal drops (with a dropper) for adults and for children, and in a nasal spray for adults only. Adult nasal drops and spray are 0.1% w/v, which is twice the strength of nasal drops for children that is 0.05% w/v. Please note that we do not prescribe for children at The Online Clinic.
How to use Xylometazoline
Xylometazoline is either dropped or sprayed into both of your nostrils. Full instructions on how to use the nasal drops and spray are provided in the medicine package. Adults and Children older than 12 years of age need 2 or 3 drops per nostril up to 3 times a day or one spray per nostril up to 3 times a day. Children 6–12 years of age need 1 or 2 drops per nostril once or twice a day, administered by an adult.
To apply Xylometazoline, both adults and children should firstly blow and clear their nose of mucus. When using the drops, adults should tip the head backwards; medicine is then dripped into each nostril and the head is kept tipped back for a few minutes. When using the drops for children, the adult administering the medicine to the child should first practise giving a few drops, before leaning the child's head as far back as possible and applying the drops. Always clean and dry the dropper after use. For the adult spray, lean forward and insert the bottle nozzle into a nostril; then squeeze the bottle once while sniffing the medicine up your nose. Take the nozzle off before releasing the squeeze on the bottle. Then repeat the process for the other nostril. Take care to avoid the eyes.
The bottle of Xylometazoline is for use by one person only to avoid the risk of spreading any infection and should not be used after 28 days of opening. Adults should not use this medicine on more than 7 consecutive days and children should not be given the Child Nasal Drops for more than 5 consecutive days. Extended use may cause symptoms to return or worsen. Inform your doctor if you drop or spray too much into your nostrils; if you forget to use Xylometazoline then take it when you remember – don't use twice the amount.
Who can use Xylometazoline?
Adults and Children 12 years of age and older can use Xylometazoline drops and spray; children 6–12 years of age can be administered the Xylometazoline drops. Children under the age of 12 years cannot use the spray and children under 6 years cannot be given the drops. If pregnant or breast-feeding, discuss using Xylometazoline with your doctor before starting treatment.
Adults and children should not use Xylometazoline if they have an allergy to xylometazoline hydrochloride or any of the other substances in the Xylometazoline drops or spray, or to other decongestants. Xylometazoline is not to be used by adults and children if they have had recent surgery of the brain, spine, nerves or nose; or have persistent nasal inflammation with very dry nasal passages (e.g., rhinitis sicca, atrophic rhinitis); narrow/closed angle glaucoma; prostate gland enlargement; an adrenal gland tumour called a phaeochromocytoma; or take a medicine that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or have stopped taking them in the past two weeks. Additionally, in cases of diabetes, hyperthyroidism, has heart or vascular disease, hypertension or betablocker use, children must not be given drops and adults must first discuss Xylometazoline use with a doctor.
Before using Xylometazoline tell your doctor if you or your child are taking any medicines (including those not on prescription) or are under the care of a doctor, especially use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, other antidepressants, and betablockers.
Xylometazoline Side Effects
Xylometazoline can cause allergic reactions; stop using Xylometazoline and get medical help immediately if you have breathing or swallowing difficulties, itchy, red skin rashes, and swelling of the throat, tongue and face.
Commonly, people experience dry itchy nasal mucus membranes, headache, nausea, and a local irritation or burning sensation. Less commonly, nosebleeds are reported; very rarely, vision is blurred, palpitations occur, and heartbeat is rapid.
As with other decongestants, sensitive patients may experience sleep disturbances, dizziness, and tremor with Xylometazoline; see your doctor if these become troublesome. A child experiencing hallucinations, restlessness, or sleep disturbances should stop using Xylometazoline Child Nasal Drops.
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 30 October 2024
Next review: 29 October 2026
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The Medical Register at the GMC website.
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