Topical nasal decongestants (Formulary: Nose)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

Sodium chloride 0·9% given as nasal drops and available over the counter, may relieve nasal congestion by helping to liquefy mucous secretions and may be useful for infants under 3 months.

Topical nasal decongestants often cause rebound congestion; use for no longer than 7 days. Avoid sympathomimetics, such as xylometazoline, in patients taking monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (Antidepressant drugs).

XYLOMETAZOLINE

Therapy notes

MHRA advice: Nasal decongestant sprays and drops containing xylometazoline hydrochloride / oxymetazoline hydrochloride: increased risk of rebound congestion, rhinitis medicamentosa, and tachyphylaxis with overuse (April 2026)

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Paediatric nasal drops 0·05%

Dosage:

Instil 1 to 2 drops into each nostril once or twice daily when required; maximum duration 5 days.

Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Nasal spray 0·1%

Dosage:

Appply 1 spray into each nostril 1 to 3 times daily when required; maximum duration 7 days.

Editorial Information

Document Id: F158