DoseFacts

Xylometazoline: Uses, How It Works, Medicines

Also in: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ

Xylometazoline is a nasal decongestant, a medicine put in the nose to relieve a blocked nose from colds, hay fever and sinus problems. It works within minutes but should be used only for a few days. Longer use can make the blockage return or worsen.

Also known as: Xylometazoline hydrochloride, Xylometazoline nasal drops, Xylometazoline nasal spray, Otrivin, Otrivine, Nasal decongestant

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Xylometazoline at a glance. Used for: Blocked nose from colds, hay fever and sinus problems. Ask a doctor first: Heart disease or high blood pressure, Overactive thyroid or diabetes, Enlarged prostate or narrow-angle glaucoma, Taking an MAOI antidepressant, Pregnancy or breastfeeding, Giving it to a child under 12. Get medical help quickly for: A blocked nose that returns or worsens after stopping, Use for more than the days on the pack (5 days). Taking too much: Use only for a few days. If it is swallowed, or much more has been used, get medical help: call 112. Dose: follow the label or your doctor's advice.

How does Xylometazoline work?

It narrows the small blood vessels in the lining of the nose, so the swelling goes down and air can pass more easily.

How to take Xylometazoline

Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Use for no more than 5 consecutive days unless your pack says otherwise.

Who should be careful

  • Do not use for longer than the pack allows; the UK regulator now limits it to 5 days
  • Not for children under 12 in the adult strength (0.1%); children's products have a lower strength
  • Not with MAOI antidepressants, or within 14 days of stopping them
  • Ask a doctor first with heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes, enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma or recent brain or pituitary surgery
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask a doctor first

Type of medicine

Xylometazoline belongs to this type of medicine.

Medicines that contain Xylometazoline

These medicines sold in India contain Xylometazoline. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.

  • Otrivin · 0.1% w/v (VERIFY on pack) nasal drops or nasal spray (verify which on pack)

What is Xylometazoline used for?

Medicines that contain Xylometazoline are used for these conditions.

Common questions

Why not use xylometazoline for more than 5 days?

Longer use can cause rebound congestion, where the nose becomes more blocked as the effect wears off, and a long-lasting condition called rhinitis medicamentosa. The UK regulator limits these sprays to five days. If still blocked, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Sources

  1. Recommended use of some nasal decongestant sprays limited to five days by UK regulator. GOV.UK (MHRA), 30 April 2026
  2. Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops (xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1% w/v): patient information leaflet (revised 2/2024). Haleon UK, via the electronic medicines compendium (UK)
  3. ATC/DDD Index: R01AA07 xylometazoline. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology