Xylometazoline belongs to a group of medications called nasal decongestants. It is used in a nasal spray and drops for the relief of symptoms of nasal congestion caused by Allergies, sinus inflammation (Sinusitis), and colds. It is also used to make rhinoscopy (an examination of the inside of the nose) easier.

Xylometazoline starts working in 5 to 10 minutes. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This helps to clear the symptoms of congestion.

Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Before using Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent), the nose should be blown gently. Do not use this medication for more than 3 to 5 days in a row.

Nasal spray: The usual recommended dose for adults is one to three sprays in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted slightly forward while using the spray. Breathe deeply. Blow the nose after 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water before replacing the cap.

Nasal drops: The usual recommended dose for adults is 1 to 3 drops in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted back while using the drops. Avoid touching the nostril with the dropper. Rinse the dropper with hot water before replacing it in the bottle.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If symptoms continue for longer than 5 days, stop using Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) and contact your doctor. Excessive use may cause congestion to become worse.

Store Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion of even small amounts of this medication by a child can cause serious harm.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning and stinging of the nose
• dryness of the nose
• headache
• rebound congestion (worsening congestion as a result of overusing the medication)
• sneezing
• trouble sleeping

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• dizziness
• high blood pressure
• nausea
• palpitations (heartbeat that is fast, irregular, or pounding)
• restlessness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of face or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent).

This medication is available as a 0.1% nasal spray.

Do not use Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) if you:

• are allergic to xylometazoline or any ingredients of Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent)
• are currently taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine)
• are sensitive (i.e., experience trouble sleeping, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, tremor, or abnormal heart rhythms) to other related medications (e.g., Epinephrine, phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
• have narrow-angle Glaucoma
• have rhinitis sicca (a chronic type of rhinitis with very little or no nasal discharge)

There may be an interaction between xylometazoline and any of the following:

• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• Atomoxetine
• beta-2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline, formoterol, salmeterol)
• Bromocriptine
• caffeine
• cannabis-containing medications (e.g., cannabis, dronabinol, Nabilone)
• decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)
• decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
• dipivefrin
• epinephrine
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• Fentanyl
• Linezolid
• Methylphenidate
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• norepinephrine
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Nortriptyline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Prolonged or excessive use: If symptoms continue for more than 3 to 5 days, stop using Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) and contact your doctor. Excessive or prolonged use of Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) may make congestion worse.

Medical conditions: If you have difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, overactive Thyroid, advanced hardening of the arteries, or Diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Multiple users: Use of this nasal spray by more than one person may cause spread of infection.

Pregnancy: Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if xylometazoline passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors should use Spray Nasal (Xylometazoline-eent) with caution, as you may be more likely to experience side effects.