Xylometazoline 0.1% w/v: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Blocked nose from a cold, flu or sinusitis – quick short-term relief; Nasal congestion from hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.24 to ₹5.47 per ml across 7 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xylometazoline Nasal Drops IP 0.1%w/vJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 ml | ₹12.38 | ₹1.24 | 19 October 2026 |
| Xylakem | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 ml | ₹31.86 | ₹3.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nozcalm XL | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 10 ml | ₹53.00 | ₹5.30 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hynasal XL | DWD Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 ml | ₹80.63 | ₹5.38 | 19 October 2026 |
| Orinase Adult | Entod Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 ml | ₹53.91 | ₹5.39 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nosikind 0.1% | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 ml | ₹54.68 | ₹5.47 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mucoris Adult | FDC Ltd | 10 ml | ₹54.69 | ₹5.47 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Blocked nose from a cold, flu or sinusitis – quick short-term relief.
- Nasal congestion from hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
- Helping to open the nose before an ENT examination or to ease ear pressure during flights, when advised.
How to take it
Blow your nose gently, tilt your head slightly forward and put 2 to 3 drops (or 1 spray) of the 0.1% adult solution into each nostril, two or three times a day as needed – not more often than every 8 to 10 hours. Do not swallow it, and do not share the bottle. Use it for no more than 5 to 7 days in a row: longer use causes rebound congestion, where the nose becomes blocked again as the drops wear off and you end up needing them more and more. The 0.1% strength is for adults and children over 12; younger children need the 0.05% paediatric strength and children under 6 should not use it unless a doctor advises. See a doctor if the blockage lasts more than a week, you have fever, facial pain, green discharge or a one-sided block.
Side effects
Common
- Stinging, burning or dryness in the nose.
- Sneezing after use.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Rebound congestion – the nose blocks worse when the drops wear off (from overuse).
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, rise in blood pressure, tremor or restlessness – stop and see a doctor.
- Trouble sleeping or anxiety, especially in children.
- Drowsiness or very slow heartbeat in a small child who has swallowed or been given too much – emergency.
Safety information
Alcohol
No interaction with alcohol.
Pregnancy
NHS advises avoiding decongestants in pregnancy; saline drops or steam are safer. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
No dose change is needed, but do not exceed the recommended use.
Liver problems
No dose change is needed.
Children
Not for children under 6 unless a doctor advises. Use the 0.05% paediatric strength for children 6 to 12 under adult supervision; the 0.1% adult strength is for 12 years and over.
Missed dose
It is used only when needed, so there is no missed dose. Do not use extra to catch up.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitor antidepressants (selegiline, moclobemide) and tricyclics (amitriptyline) – can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure; avoid.
- Other decongestants – including cold tablets containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine (Sinarest, D-Cold) – do not combine.
- Blood pressure, heart and thyroid medicines – ask your doctor first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid problems, diabetes or an enlarged prostate.
- Steroid nasal sprays (fluticasone, mometasone) – can be used together for a few days; use xylometazoline first to open the nose.
Frequently asked questions
What are xylometazoline nasal drops used for?
Xylometazoline is a decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nose, unblocking it within minutes. It is used for a blocked nose from colds, flu, sinusitis and allergies, for short-term relief only.
How many days can I use Nosikind or Otrivin-type drops?
No more than 5 to 7 days in a row. Longer use causes rebound congestion, where the nose blocks worse each time the drops wear off and you become dependent on them.
What is rebound congestion and how do I stop it?
After overuse, the nose swells back up as the drops wear off, so you keep using them. Stop the decongestant completely, use saline drops and steam, and ask your doctor about a short course of a steroid nasal spray while the nose recovers.
Can I give adult xylometazoline drops to my child?
No. The 0.1% adult strength is for children over 12 and adults. Children 6 to 12 need the 0.05% paediatric strength, and under-6s should not use it unless a doctor advises. Overdose in small children is dangerous.
Can I use xylometazoline in pregnancy?
NHS advises avoiding decongestants in pregnancy. Saline drops, steam inhalation and sleeping with the head raised are safer; ask your doctor if the block is severe.
Is it safe to use Mucoris nasal spray with high blood pressure?
Ask your doctor or chemist first. Even nasal decongestants can raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people, and they interact with some antidepressants.
Nasal drops vs nasal spray – which is better?
Both contain the same 0.1% xylometazoline. Sprays give a measured dose and are less likely to run into the throat; drops are cheaper and common for children's strengths. Either way, do not exceed 2 to 3 uses a day.
Can I use xylometazoline with a steroid spray like Flomist?
Yes, for a few days. Use xylometazoline first to open the nose, then the steroid spray a few minutes later. The steroid spray is the one to continue long term for allergies.
Do I need a prescription for xylometazoline drops?
No, it is available over the counter in India. But because overuse causes rebound congestion, treat it as a short-term rescue, not a daily habit.
Sources
- NHS – Decongestants (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray (same decongestant class) (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms