Note when using nasal drops containing Xylometazoline

The article was professionally consulted by Pharmacist Quang Anh Nguyet - Pharmacist in charge of pharmacies - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

During the changing season, with the change of time, ear-nose-throat diseases are constantly increasing. Among them, nasal congestion is a common symptom experienced by many people. Many people choose nasal drops containing Xylometazoline as the first solution. However, the use of nasal decongestants needs to be cautious.

Xylometazoline hydrochloride is a direct acting sympathomimetic stimulant. Medicines containing Xylometazoline have a vasoconstrictor effect by reducing swelling and congestion when acting on the mucous membranes.
Medicines containing Xylometazoline are nasal drops used to treat symptoms of nasal congestion caused by allergies, sinus irritation, or the common cold.

2.1. For adults 2.1.1. For adults with stuffy nose: Drug form: Nasal drops or nasal spray Adults: 0.1% solution: drop 2-3 drops or spray 1 puff in each nostril 2-3 times/day. Maximum dose: 7 days. 2.1.2. For adults with conjunctival obstruction: Drug form: Eye drops (rarely used)
Adults: 0.05-0.1% solution: drop into the affected eye.
2.2. For children Usual dose for children with stuffy nose
Dosage form: Nasal drops or nasal spray Children: 0.05% solution: 3 months old - 12 years old: 1-2 drops or 1 spray into each nostril 1-2 times/day. Maximum dose: 7 days. How to use the nebulizer: Place the nebulizer in an upright position, with the cap on top. Shake the vial gently a few times. Insert the nasal cannula into the nose and press the nebulizer quickly and firmly on the button at the top; Remove the nasogastric tube before releasing the plunger. Inhaling gently through the nose while injecting the medicine will create conditions for optimal drug dispersion. Close the protective cap again after each use.

Some unwanted effects after taking xylometazoline hydrochloride include:
Headache; Insomnia; Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia; Hypertension; Stressful condition; Vomiting, nausea; Dizzy; Soreness or burning where the drops are applied, sneezing, dry mouth and throat, nausea – when using the nasal drops; Dry eyes – for eye drops.

Medicines containing Xylometazoline have sympathomimetic effects causing vasoconstriction, so caution should be exercised in subjects with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism or in pregnant and lactating women. You should use this type of nasal drops when prescribed by your doctor, do not use them on your own. In addition, medicine containing Xylometazoline has anti-congestive effect, if used for a long time, it can cause a phenomenon of "rebound" that is, at first, the runny and stuffy nose clears, but then the condition becomes clear. stuffy nose again, thereby making chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa very difficult to treat. Therefore, it is recommended that normal adults do not use vasoconstrictor, anti-congestive nasal drops for more than 7 days. Xylometazoline is a topical vasoconstrictor. When in contact with the nasal mucosa, the drug will immediately cause a vasoconstriction reaction, making the nose open, but then there is a phenomenon of blood pooling back, blocking the nose, requiring further instillation. Moreover, the nasal mucosa after many drops of nasal drops will be edematous, less sensitive to the drug, so it has to be instilled more times, causing a vicious cycle that makes your condition increasingly need to increase the dose and become dependent. drug dependence.

Medicines only treat the symptoms, not the cause. In otolaryngology, doctors use this drug for symptomatic treatment in diseases such as rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, and stuffy nose.