XYLOMET ADULT NASAL DROPS 15ML

Indications

Approved Uses

Temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis/other upper respiratory allergies.

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Nasal congestion (adults and children ≥12 years for 0.1%): instill 2-3 drops into each nostril every 8-10 hours as needed (up to 3 times daily); do not use more than 3-5 consecutive days.

Initial Dose

2-3 drops of 0.1% solution into each nostril

Maintenance Dose

2-3 drops into each nostril 2-3 times daily, not exceeding 3 times per day

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed 3 applications per nostril in 24 hours; maximum duration generally 3-5 days (up to 7 days only if specifically directed by labeling/clinician).

Dose Adjustment Notes

No dose titration is required; limit use to ≤3-5 days to avoid rebound congestion, and use with caution in patients with hypertension/cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or prostatic hypertrophy due to potential systemic sympathomimetic effects.

How to Take

Blow/clear the nose first; keep the bottle tip clean and avoid touching the nostril; instill 2-3 drops into each nostril; keep the head tilted back (or lie down with head back) briefly to allow distribution; wipe the tip and recap; do not use longer than 3-5 consecutive days.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Transient nasal burning/stinging, nasal dryness/irritation, sneezing; may cause increased nasal discharge; rebound congestion with prolonged or excessive use.

Side Effect Frequency

Common (≤1/10): nasal burning/stinging, nasal dryness, sneezing, local irritation; Uncommon (≤1/100): epistaxis, hypersensitivity reactions, increased nasal congestion after effect wears off (rebound/medicamentosa risk increases with prolonged use); Rare (≤1/1,000): palpitations/tachycardia, increased blood pressure, nausea, headache/insomnia

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to xylometazoline/excipients; rhinitis sicca (dry/atrophic rhinitis); narrow-angle (angle-closure) glaucoma; use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping; after trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy or other nasal surgery exposing the dura mater.

Warnings & Precautions

Do not use longer than 3-5 days to avoid rebound congestion; use caution in hypertension/cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and prostatic hypertrophy; avoid eye contact; do not share the bottle to reduce infection transmission.

Age Restriction

0.1% xylometazoline is intended for adults and older children; generally not recommended for children under 12 years (use pediatric strengths such as 0.05% for younger children per local labeling).

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

MAO inhibitors (and within 14 days of stopping) and tricyclic/tetracyclic antidepressants (potentiation of pressor/sympathomimetic effects); caution with other sympathomimetics.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Caution

Breastfeeding

Caution

Elderly

Use with caution in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease or prostatic hypertrophy; standard adult dosing otherwise

Liver Impairment

No adjustment needed

Storage & Patient Advice

Missed Dose

Use when needed; if a scheduled dose is missed, use as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next dose-then skip; do not double doses.

Stopping the Medicine

Safe to stop at any time; limit use to short courses and stop if rebound congestion occurs (may require a brief wean or switching to intranasal steroid/saline if rhinitis medicamentosa develops).

Overdose

Overdose/ingestion (especially in children) may cause CNS depression (drowsiness, hypothermia, coma), bradycardia, blood pressure changes (hypertension then hypotension), and respiratory depression; management is urgent medical assessment and supportive care.

Patient Counseling

Use only intranasally as directed; do not exceed 2-3 drops per nostril per dose or more than 3 doses/day; do not use longer than 3-5 consecutive days (rebound congestion risk); avoid sharing the bottle and avoid eye contact; consult a clinician before use if pregnant/breastfeeding or if you have hypertension/heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or are taking MAOIs/TCAs; seek care if symptoms persist/worsen or if significant palpitations/headache occur.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Alpha-adrenergic agonist (primarily alpha-1) causing vasoconstriction of nasal mucosal vessels, reducing mucosal edema and nasal congestion.

Onset of Action

About 5-10 minutes.

Duration of Effect

Typically about 8-10 hours (may last up to ~12 hours in some patients).

Half-Life

Unknown / not well-established for intranasal xylometazoline (no reliable elimination half-life routinely cited in standard references)

Bioavailability

Low systemic absorption when used intranasally at recommended doses.

Metabolism

Hepatic metabolism if systemically absorbed (extent limited due to primarily local nasal action)

Excretion

Systemically absorbed drug is metabolized and eliminated primarily via the kidneys (urine), largely as metabolites.

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Nasal drops, nasal spray

Composition per Dose

Each 1 ml nasal drops: xylometazoline hydrochloride 1 mg (0.1%)

OTC Alternatives

Saline nasal drops/spray; oxymetazoline nasal spray; phenylephrine nasal spray (where available); non-drug options such as humidification.

Symptom Target

Congestion

Sedating

No

Reviewed by Al Mujtama Pharmacy Medical Review Team. Last reviewed 12-05-2026