xylometazoline nasal Health Article

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a xylometazoline nasal overdose include extreme tiredness, sweating, dizziness, a slow heartbeat, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking xylometazoline nasal?

Do not use this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too much xylometazoline nasal could be harmful. Xylometazoline nasal should not be used more often than two to three times a day (every 8 to 10 hours).

What are the possible side effects of xylometazoline nasal?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from this medication, stop using xylometazoline nasal and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• seizures;

• unusual behavior or hallucinations; or

• an irregular or fast heartbeat.

More commonly, you may experience some sneezing or nasal burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect xylometazoline nasal?

Do not use xylometazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

Although drug interactions between topical nasal decongestants and other medications taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Rarely, xylometazoline nasal may interact with the following medicines:

• furazolidone (Furoxone);

• guanethidine (Ismelin);

• indomethacin (Indocin);

• methyldopa (Aldomet);

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);

• caffeine in cola, tea, coffee, chocolate, and other products;

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, others);

• tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), clomipramine (Anafranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; and
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others.

You may not be able to use xylometazoline nasal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with xylometazoline nasal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about xylometazoline nasal written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Xylometazoline nasal is available over the counter under the brand names Otrivin and Otrivin Pediatric Nasal Drops in nasal spray and nasal drop formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.