Decongest

Brand Name:Balminil Nasal Decongestant, Otrivin

Prescription needed: No

What is this drug used for?

This drug is primarily used to treat the symptoms of a stuffy nose that is often seen with a cold, infections of the sinuses or even hay fever.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to xylometazoline. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • glaucoma (narrow-angle)
  • high blood pressure
  • any heart rhythm problems

What about possible side effects?

When used as directed, side effects are usually mild and generally occur locally in the nose. The most common side effects are:

  • burning, dryness or stinging inside the nose
  • frequent sneezing

Although the amount of this medication that gets absorbed in the body is low, some people have experienced other side effects. If you experience any of the following less common symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • feeling restless
  • headache
  • difficulty sleeping
  • high blood pressure
  • pounding, irregular or rapid heartbeat

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The chance for drug interactions with this medication is much lower because most of the medication stays inside the nose. However, in some high risk individuals, medication may get absorbed into the body. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide your doctor or pharmacist with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • drugs to treat high blood pressure – xylometazoline could reduce their effectiveness
  • a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors – MAO-I (e.g. tranylcypromine, moclobemide, selegeline, pargyline & others). Generally, this combination should be avoided and you need to wait 14 days after stopping a MAO-I before starting xylometazoline.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Duration of therapy: This drug is intended to be taken for only a few days. If you use this drug longer than 3-5 days, it will increase your chance of experiencing a side effect called “rebound congestion” whereby you will have a constant, worsening stuffy nose even if you no longer have a cold or hay fever. If you are in a situation where you have used the medication for longer than 3-5 days, talk to you doctor or pharmacist as there are ways to stop the medication slowly to help decrease the chances of having this side effect.

Children: Can be used; 0.05% solution recommended.

Seniors: Can be used. May be more sensitive to side effects.

Pregnant women: Likely safe; however talk to your doctor first.

Women who are nursing: Likely safe; however talk to your doctor first.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Alcohol: If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Overdose: Taking too much of this medicine, especially for more than a few days, can cause rebound congestion, headaches and sleeping problems. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor.

Stopping the drug: You can safely stop using products which contain xylometazoline when you no longer need them. However, if it has been more than 3-5 days, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping.

If you miss a dose: This medicine is not taken on a prescribed schedule, but rather only when required.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None