Xylocon 0.05% Nasal Drop

Xylocon 0.05% Nasal Drop contains xylometazoline hydrochloride at a 0.05% concentration, a topical decongestant formulated at the lower, paediatric strength (compared with the 0.1% strength typically used in adults). It works by narrowing (constricting) the blood vessels in the lining of the nose, which quickly reduces swelling and congestion, relieving a blocked or stuffy nose caused by a cold, flu, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis.

Because it is formulated at the lower 0.05% strength, Xylocon Nasal Drop is generally intended for children, though it may also be used in adults where a lower-strength decongestant is preferred or directed by a pharmacist. It is sold without a doctor’s prescription in Malaysia, but — like all xylometazoline-containing decongestants — should only be used short-term, generally for no more than 5-7 days, to avoid rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used for longer.

Xylometazoline is a sympathomimetic that acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels of the nasal lining, causing them to constrict; this reduces blood flow and swelling in the nasal tissue, opening the nasal passage and relieving the feeling of a blocked or stuffy nose within a few minutes, with the effect typically lasting several hours per dose.

Clean the nose gently before use, tilt the head slightly back or lie down with the head tipped back, and instil the number of drops stated on the label into each nostril, avoiding contact between the dropper tip and the nose to prevent contamination; wipe the dropper clean after use and keep the bottle capped between doses. Use only as directed and do not exceed the recommended frequency or duration.

Dosing follows the age directions on the product label — this 0.05% strength is generally intended for children within the age range stated on the packaging, using the number of drops specified per nostril up to a maximum of two to three times a day. Do not use for longer than about 5-7 consecutive days, as prolonged use of xylometazoline nasal drops can lead to rebound nasal congestion once the medicine is stopped.

Use Xylocon 0.05% Nasal Drop before the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton, and discard the bottle after the in-use period stated on the label once opened, as nasal drops can become contaminated with repeated use.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, keep the dropper bottle tightly closed between uses, and store out of the sight and reach of children.

• Known hypersensitivity to xylometazoline or any ingredient in the drops
• Use for longer than 5-7 consecutive days without a doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice
• Atrophic rhinitis (a specific chronic nose condition), unless a doctor advises otherwise
• Infants below the minimum age stated on the product label, unless directed by a doctor

• MAOI antidepressants, and within about 2 weeks of stopping one — risk of a significant rise in blood pressure when combined with decongestants
• Other decongestant nasal sprays/drops or oral decongestants — risk of duplicated effect and increased side effects; avoid using more than one decongestant product at the same time
• Certain blood pressure medicines — decongestants can reduce their effectiveness; check with a doctor or pharmacist if you have high blood pressure

• Use for no more than 5-7 days in a row to avoid rebound congestion
• Don’t share the dropper bottle between family members to avoid spreading infection
• Clean the nose gently before applying the drops for better effect
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the inside of the nose
• Stop and see a pharmacist if congestion returns quickly after each dose or gets worse after several days
• Keep well out of children’s reach — accidental swallowing of decongestant drops can be dangerous in young children

Precautions: Xylocon Nasal Drop is for short-term use only — using it for more than about 5-7 days in a row can cause the nose to become more congested once the medicine is stopped (rebound congestion). Use with caution in children within the age range stated on the label, and check with a doctor or pharmacist before use in anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, or diabetes, as decongestants can affect these conditions.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if nasal congestion has not improved after 5-7 days of use, if symptoms worsen, if there is facial pain or fever suggesting a sinus infection, or if a child accidentally swallows the drops, as this needs prompt medical assessment.