View source for Xylometazoline

{{refimprove|date=October 2009}}
{{Drugbox|
|IUPAC_name = 2-[(4-''tert''-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)methyl]<br>
-4,5-dihydro-1''H''-imidazole
| image = Xylometazoline Structural Formulae V 2.png
| width = 220
| CAS_number=526-36-3
| ATC_prefix=R01 
| ATC_suffix=AA07
| ATC_supplemental={{ATC|S01|GA03}}
| PubChem=5709
| IUPHAR_ligand = 517
| DrugBank=
| C=16 | H=24 | N=2
| molecular_weight = 244.37516 g/mol
| bioavailability= 
| metabolism = 
| elimination_half-life=
| excretion =  
| pregnancy_category = 
| legal_status = 
| routes_of_administration= [[Insufflation (medicine)|Intranasal]]
}}
'''Xylometazoline''' (also known as xylomethazoline) is a drug which is used as a [[topical]] [[nasal decongestant]].<ref>{{cite pmid|18655753}}</ref> It is applied directly into the [[nose]], either as a spray or as drops.

Xylometazoline is marketed under many brand names (see below), with the typical adult dose being 0.1% [[w/v]] xylometazoline, and the dose for children under 12 being 0.05%.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}

==Mechanism of action==
The drug works by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. The [[vasoconstriction]] means that there is less pressure in the [[capillaries]] and less water can filter out, thus less discharge is made. (If the colour of the nasal passage is observed, it is visibly paler after dosage.)

Xylometazoline is an [[imidazole]] derivative which is designed to mimic the molecular shape of [[adrenaline]]. It binds to [[alpha-adrenergic receptor]]s in the nasal mucosa.<ref>{{cite pmid|20030735}}</ref> Due to its [[sympathomimetic]] effects, it should not be used by people with high [[blood pressure]], or other [[heart]] problems.

Extended usage of xylometazoline can result in decreased effectiveness or a build up of tolerance against the drug.<ref>[http://www.harrisonspractice.com/practice/ub?cmd=ref&style.cp=421620&style.cpa=0 Gold Standard Clinical Pharmacology<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The number of receptors decreases, and when the administration of the drug is ceased, chronic congestion can occur; this is called [[rhinitis medicamentosa]], commonly referred to as rebound congestion. Moreover long-term overdosing can cause degenerative changes in nasal [[mucous membrane]]s that pose another health problem.

==Brand names==
Xylometazoline is sold under a number of brand names worldwide, including: Cirovin, Klarigen (in Denmark), Nasolin, Neo-Rinoleina, Novorin, Olynth, Otrinoz, Otriven, Otrivin, Otrivine, Otrix, Sinutab Nasal Spray, Sudafed, Xylo-COMOD, Xylovit, Zolynd (in Serbia), Xynosine (in Pakistan), and Xymelin.

==Chemistry==
[[File:Xylometazoline.png|500px]]

Hueni, A.; 1959, {{US Patent|2,868,802}}.

==See also==
* [[Oxymetazoline]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Adrenergic agonists}}
{{Nasal preparations}}

[[Category:Topical decongestants]]
[[Category:Imidazolines]]
[[Category:Alpha-adrenergic agonists]]

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[[Category:2Fix]]