Xylometazoline

Generic name: Xylometazoline [ zye-loe-met-AZ-oh-leen ]
Drug class: Nasal antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2024.

Uses of Xylometazoline:

• It is used to treat nose stuffiness.
• It is used to treat a runny nose.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Xylometazoline?

• If you are allergic to xylometazoline; any part of xylometazoline; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you will be having certain types of surgery, such as surgery to remove your pituitary gland.
• If you have narrow-angle glaucoma.
• If you have a certain nose problem called rhinitis sicca.
• If you have a certain nose problem called atrophic rhinitis.
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not use xylometazoline if you are pregnant.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with xylometazoline.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take xylometazoline with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Xylometazoline?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take xylometazoline. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use for more than 3 days. Using xylometazoline too often or for longer than you have been told may cause nose stuffiness to happen again or get worse.
• If you are taking xylometazoline and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Xylometazoline) best taken?

Use xylometazoline as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take xylometazoline by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn).
• Prime before first use by spraying until you see a fine mist.
• Blow your nose before use.
• When using, tilt your head forward a little.
• While breathing in through the nose, press down once to release spray.
• Follow how to clean carefully.
• Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use xylometazoline on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times xylometazoline is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Related/similar drugs

epinephrine topical, pseudoephedrine, sodium chloride nasal, phenylephrine nasal, Afrin

What are some other side effects of Xylometazoline?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Nose irritation.
• Sneezing.
• Burning.
• Tingling.
• Runny nose.
• Headache.
• Dry nose.
• Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Xylometazoline?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about xylometazoline, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer