Xylometazoline hydrochloride formulations

Otrivin offers several cold relief products specially formulated with xylometazoline hydrochloride

Nasal formulations containing xylometazoline provide rapid and effective relief of nasal congestion.¹

Xylometazoline constricts dilated blood vessels in the nasal mucosa^1,2

Xylometazoline is a sympathomimetic agent that binds to alpha adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction leading to decongestion of the nasal mucosa.^1,2 This effect begins to take effect within 2 minutes of application and may remain active for up to 12 hours.¹

To come from Graf P, Eccles R, Chen S. Efficacy and safety of intranasal xylometazoline and ipratropium in patients with common cold. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009 Apr;10(5):889-908

A clinical study with xylometazoline demonstrated superiority to placebo at relieving nasal congestion³

Nasal sprays containing xylometazoline are proven to be significantly superior to placebo at relieving nasal congestion with decongestion effects shown for up to 12 hours.^1,3 Xylometazoline was also found to significantly improve individual common cold symptoms, such as easier breathing, leading to significantly greater patient satisfaction with treatment.³ The activity of xylometazoline occurs as quickly as within 2 minutes.¹

Xylometazoline provides rapid and long-lasting relief of nasal congestion¹

Xylometazoline acts locally to constrict dilated blood vessels of the nasal mucosa^1,2
Strong vasoconstriction of dilated blood vessels in the nasal mucosa^1,2

Vasoconstriction subsequently results in decongestion of the nasal mucosa and neighbouring tissues of the pharynx, improving nasal airflow.^1,2

Benefits of topical decongestants

Topical decongestants in the form of nasal sprays, provide several advantages over oral decongestants:

They act locally on the nasal mucosa as opposed to requiring absorption and transportation through the bloodstream

Relief is immediate within a matter of minutes²

They provide a longer duration of action²

They have minimal systemic absorption and subsequently fewer systemic side effects⁴
Xylometazoline offers fast-acting and long-lasting relief ¹

Xylometazoline hydrochloride begins to take effect within 2 minutes of application and may remain active for up to 12 hours.¹ This is in contrast to oral decongestants, which may take up to half an hour to come into effect and last for only up to 6 hours.²
Side Effects

Common side effects, with an incidence of approximately 10%, include dryness or irritation of the nasal mucosa, nausea, headache, or a local burning sensation.¹ Occurring at a much lower incidence of approximately 0.0001%, are allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeat.¹

Xylometazoline is known to interact with certain antidepressant medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tri- or tetra-cyclic antidepressants; the cardiovascular effects of these substances may result in increased blood pressure.¹

Caution and appropriate medical advice should be applied before using xylometazoline in pregnancy or breastfeeding.¹ Furthermore, caution should be exercised in those suffering from hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, phaeochromocytoma, and prostatic hypertrophy.¹
Rebound congestion

Rebound congestion occurs with the overuse or repetitive use of topical nasal decongestants for greater than 10 days.⁵ Xylometazoline is not recommended for use in durations greater than 7 consecutive days or 10 days (in the case of 0.05% and 0.1% concentrations).

To avoid rebound congestion, patients should be instructed not to exceed the recommended dose and duration;^1,5 if symptoms are not adequately controlled after the recommended maximum duration, then patients should be advised to seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified clinician.¹ Patients may also be counselled to supplement xylometazoline use with a nasal saline product to further aid clearance of nasal mucous.⁵
Posology

At lower dosages of 0.025%, this compound may be used in infants under 1 year old, with medical advice. 0.05% concentrations may be applied to children between 1 and 11 years old, under adult supervision. Concentrations of 0.1% should only be used in children over the age of 12 into adulthood.¹

For all nasal formulations of xylometazoline hydrochloride, a daily dosage of 3 applications to each nostril should not be exceeded;¹this includes the nasal drops, nasal metered-dose spray, and nasal spray squeeze bottle.