Xylometazoline is an over-the-counter medication used to provide temporary relief for nasal congestion. This nasal stuffiness may be due to hay fever, allergies or colds. According to Drugs.com, xylometazoline is classified as a decongestant. It is available as a nasal spray, and you will typically spray one nasal mist of xylometazoline into each nostril as needed. The Mayo Clinic recommends not to use this medication for more than three days.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, xylometazoline can typically cause burning, stinging or dryness of your nasal passages. This is a usual reaction to nasal decongestant sprays. It can also cause runny nose and sneezing. Discontinue xylometazoline and these symptoms will gradually subside.
Serious Side Effects
Unfortunately, xylometazoline can be absorbed systemically (into your body). Your nose contains a wide variety of tiny blood vessels. When you spray enough xylometazoline into your nose frequently throughout the day, xylometazoline may cause blurry vision and a headache, says the Mayo Clinic. It can cause nausea, hives all over your body, a rash, difficulty breathing and trouble sleeping. Other serious side effects include wheezing, lightheadedness and nervousness. It can affect your heart and cause palpitations (pounding heartbeat), tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or arrythmia (uneven heartbeat). Changes in your heart's rhythmic activity can affect your heart's ability to effectively pump blood to your body, and you may feel faint or dizzy. Phone your physician if you exhibit any of these serious side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid xylometazoline if you are hypersensitive to its ingredients. You may develop trouble breathing, swelling of your face or tongue and hives. These side effects are potentially fatal, so go to the hospital immediately.
Avoid using xylometazoline if you suffer from type 2 diabetes, glaucoma (high eye pressure), high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), heart disease or an enlarged prostate gland. Xylometazoline can worsen these medical conditions.
Avoid using xylometazoline if you are breastfeeding. Drugs.com says that no studies indicate that xylometazoline causes harm to your baby. However, it is best to be cautious and use a safer nasal decongestant.
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