Nasal drops are the solution of choice for nasal obstruction resulting from seasonal infections, flu and sinusitis. A large part of these preparations work by constricting blood vessels, which stops a runny nose. However, it is worth remembering that drugs of this type only work symptomatically. Using them for too long can lead to serious negative consequences. How are nasal drops different? How and when to use them?

Among thenasal dropsavailable at the pharmacy, there are medicines and medical devices. Medicines contain active substances which have a decongestant effect on the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa or are antiallergic. In the case of these preparations, the obtained effect is practically immediate, but short-lived. Medical devices, on the other hand, contain substances that support treatment, e.g. essential oils, oils or vitamins.

Types of substances present in nasal drops

There may be nasal drops:

  • Vasoconstrictors- preparations containing xylometazoline belong to this group. They bring short-term relief quickly. They should not be used for more than 3 days. Too frequent use of drugs containing xylometazoline leads to the dependence of the nasal mucosa on this substance. Many patients have difficulty stopping these types of nasal drops, which can lead to serious pathological changes such as tissue necrosis.
  • Saline- cleans the nose and prevents the mucosa from drying out. Preparations based on saline can be used safely for many months.
  • Antiallergic drugs- some nasal drops contain antihistamines, such as dimethindene maleate, to block the development of an allergic reaction.
  • Oils and essential oils- medical devices containing them help to clear the nasal passages. They moisturize and support the regeneration of the mucosa. Oil-based nasal drops can be used continuously over a long period of time.

Decongesting blood vessels - nasal drops with xylometazoline

Decongestant nasal drops and sprays must never be used as spraysmoisturizing for the nose. It sometimes happens that patients treat these preparations in this way because of the information on the moisturizing properties on the packaging. It is very dangerous.

Long use of drops containing xylometazolines, or another vasoconstrictor, may lead to the appearance ofrebound runny nose .

This means that after discontinuation of the drug, there is a severe nasal obstruction, which forces you to take the drops again. A runny nose is not associated with an infection and results from the mucosa's reaction to the discontinuation of the vasoconstrictor.

The problem of addiction to nasal drops affects many patients. People with this problem can use up to a whole bottle of medicine a day.

Xylometazoline nasal drops are only effective and safe when used as recommended in this leaflet.

How do xylometazoline nasal drops work?

Medicines containing xylometazoline are intended to be used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion, which leads to the inhibition of a runny nose. They are an effective, short-term solution for nasal obstruction caused by:

  • cold,
  • sinusitis,
  • hay fever
  • or allergic.

Xylometazoline nasal drops work by constricting the blood vessels around the nose. As a result, they reduce swelling and pain, and clear the nasal passages.

Xylometazoline nasal drops only provide temporary relief. Using the drug for too long, or exceeding the permitted doses, may increase the risk of side effects.

How to use xylometazoline nasal drops?

Xylometazoline drops should be used according to the information in the leaflet attached to the preparation or according to the doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands before using the nasal drops. It is also important to keep the tip of the dropper clean. Do not touch your nose or other surfaces with it.

Before using the drug, the patient should blow his nose. Drops are applied in a sitting or lying position. During their instillation, the head should be tilted back. After using the drug, it is recommended to keep the head tilted for a few minutes.

If the preparation is dripping down the throat, it must not be swallowed. The drug should not be used for more than 3 days. In case of problems with discontinuation of the preparation, it is worth consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects of xylometazoline nasal drops

Possible side effects of using drops withxylometazoline:

  • trouble sleeping,
  • irritation of the nasal mucosa,
  • nausea,
  • nose bleed,
  • drug rhinitis after discontinuation of the preparation.

Contraindications to the use of xylometazoline nasal drops

Xylometazoline nasal drops should not be used in the case of:

  • hypersensitivity to the active substance,
  • chronic atrophic rhinitis,
  • fresh nasal surgeries.

Nasal drops should be used with caution by people with:

  • diabetic,
  • narrow-angle glaucoma,
  • prostate enlargement,
  • hyperthyroidism.

Nose drops with saline

Nasal preparations based on saline dilute thick secretion and help to clear the nasal passages, removing irritating particles and bacteria. Thanks to this, they reduce the inflammation associated with infecting the mucosa.

The use of this type of drops can be very helpful in case of long-term rhinitis.

The saline spray acts as a humidifier. It is worth applying it prophylactically in winter, when the air is dry and irritating. Its use also facilitates the drainage of thick secretions from the sinuses.

Antiallergic nasal drops

Nasal drops may contain substances that inhibit an allergic reaction. Thanks to this, they make it easier to clean the nasal passages and reduce a runny nose.

The use of this type of drops makes it easier for people suffering from seasonal allergies or hay fever to breathe.

Examples of substances included in antiallergic nasal drops:

  • phenylephrine- reduces congestion of the mucosa
  • dimetindene maleate- has an antihistamine and thus inhibits an allergic reaction.

Oil nasal drops

Oil nasal drops are recommended for prophylaxis and supportive treatment of nasal dryness. They help soothe irritation caused by drugs that dry the nasal cavity.

The essential oils contained in the composition support the clearing and cleansing of the nose. Vitamins regenerate the mucosa.

Examples of nasal oil drops:

  • sesame oil,
  • vitamin E,
  • bergamot oil,
  • clove oil,
  • eucalyptus oil,
  • peppermint oil.
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