Oxymetazoline+xylitol
About Oxymetazoline+xylitol
Oxymetazoline+xylitol belongs to a category of medications called ‘nasal decongestants’ primarily used to treat stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever and other allergies. Besides this, Oxymetazoline+xylitol is also used as post nasal drip. Nasal congestion (stuffy nose) is a condition in which the obstruction to the airflow in and out of the nose. It can be caused by infections such as common cold, flu or sinusitis, and allergies.
Oxymetazoline+xylitol is a combination of two drugs: Oxymetazoline (decongestants) and Xylitol (preservative). Oxymetazoline works by narrowing the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the swollen tissue in the nose. This effect reduces the inflammation (redness and swelling) alleviating the symptoms. It also facilitates drainage of the nose providing relief from the blocked nose. Xylitol is a preservative which reduces the germs, pollutants and irritants from holding on in the nose.
Take Oxymetazoline+xylitol as advised by your doctor. It should not be used for more than 3 days. Some people may experience increased nasal discharge, nasal irritation, dry nose. Most of these side effects of Oxymetazoline+xylitol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your physician.
Avoid using Oxymetazoline+xylitol if allergic to it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your physician before using Oxymetazoline+xylitol. It should be used in children only if recommended by a pediatrician. Do not use for more than 3 days unless advised. Do not take this medicine if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for depression) or have taken them in the last 14 days. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may worsen the underlying condition.
Uses of Oxymetazoline+xylitol
Medicinal Benefits
Oxymetazoline+xylitol is a combination of two medicines, namely; Oxymetazoline and Xylitol primarily used to treat the common cold and allergy symptoms such as the blocked nose, sneezing, congestion. Oxymetazoline is a class of medicines called decongestants. It works by narrowing the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the swollen tissue in the nose. This effect reduces the inflammation (redness and swelling) alleviating the symptoms. It also facilitates drainage of the nose providing relief from the blocked nose. Xylitol is a preservative which reduces the germs, pollutants and irritants from holding on in the nose. It also decreases respiratory infections and making it easier to breathe. Together, Oxymetazoline+xylitol has a quick onset of action and the action lasts for hours.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Oxymetazoline+xylitol
- Nasal irritation
- Sneezing
- Increased nasal discharge
- Dryness inside the nose
Drug Warnings
Avoid using Oxymetazoline+xylitol if allergic to it. Please inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Oxymetazoline+xylitol. Oxymetazoline+xylitol is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. Do not take if you have heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma (internal pressure in the eye), acute coronary disease or cardiac asthma and prostate problems, if you have taken any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine) the last 14 days, please do not take Oxymetazoline+xylitol as it is known to cause serious interaction. Oxymetazoline+xylitol is not recommended to use for longer than 3 days. Using Oxymetazoline+xylitol too often or for longer periods may cause nose stuffiness to happen again or get worse.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Oxymetazoline+xylitol may interact with antidepressants (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, tranylcypromine, desipramine, imipramine), a medication used to treat migraine (ergotamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Oxymetazoline+xylitol should not be used in patients with glaucoma (an eye problem), rhinitis sicca (inflammation in the front part of the nose), and acute coronary disease (blockage of blood flow to the heart) or cardiac asthma (shortness of breath due to heart failure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionOxymetazoline+xylitol may not interact with alcohol. However, limit alcohol intake as it may worsen the underlying condition.
Pregnancy
cautionOxymetazoline+xylitol is a category C medicine. It should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before recommending it to you. Please consult your physician.
Breast Feeding
cautionOxymetazoline+xylitol should not be taken until suggested. Your physician will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before recommending it to you. Please consult your physician.
Driving
cautionOxymetazoline+xylitol has no effect on the ability to drive or use of machines.
Liver
consult your doctorOxymetazoline+xylitol is safe if advised in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
consult your doctorOxymetazoline+xylitol is safe if suggested in patients with kidney problems.
Children
cautionOxymetazoline+xylitol should not be used in children below 6 years of age unless advised by a physician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- In case of nasal congestion, take warm fluids as they can help in clear-up mucus (nasal fluid) in the nose. Also, use a humidifier at home and rinse the inside of the nose with saline solution.
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria like yoghurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Oxymetazoline+xylitol as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
Do not take Oxymetazoline+xylitol if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days; it may cause serious drug interaction.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is a condition in which the nose is stuffed and inflamed due to excess mucus (nasal fluid). It can occur due to conditions such as hay fever (allergic reaction), common cold and sinus infection. You may experience difficulty breathing and discharge from the nose during this condition. In general, nasal congestion improves within one week.
FAQs
Oxymetazoline+xylitol is used to treat stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever and other allergies.
Oxymetazoline+xylitol contains oxymetazoline and xylitol. oxymetazoline is a decongestant which constricts the blood vessels and reduces the blood flow to the affected area such as the nose, eye or skin depending on the site of application of this medicine.
Oxymetazoline+xylitol may cause recurrence of symptoms when used for long-term. So, its use is not recommended for more than 3 days. If the symptoms do not improve within 3 days, contact your doctor.
It is not recommended to take Oxymetazoline+xylitol along with any anti-depressant medication as it contains oxymetazoline, which may lead to unpleasant side-effects or any drug interaction. Also, Oxymetazoline+xylitol should be taken at least 14 days after your last dose of anti-depressants, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO).
Store Oxymetazoline+xylitol according to the instructions on the leaflet and away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze and dispose of unused medicine. Keep it outreach from children.
The side effects of Oxymetazoline+xylitol mild and temporary. They include nose irritation, sneezing, increased nasal discharge and dry nose.