Oxymetazoline and xymetazoline are medicinal substances with vasoconstrictive properties, on the basis of which nasal drops and sprays are produced to relieve swelling of the mucous membranes. These drugs are used, mainly for respiratory diseases, accompanied by nasal congestion , as well as with otitis. Consider what is better to use - oxymetazoline or xylometazoline, what are their differences and similarities.
What is the difference between oxymetazoline and xylometazoline?
Oxymetazoline and xylometazoline are structurally similar substances belonging to the imidazolin group. They affect both types of receptors of blood vessels located in the nasal mucosa (α1 and α2 receptors). This provides a rapidly advancing, pronounced and sufficiently long therapeutic effect.
When oxymetazoline is used, the improvement in nasal breathing is observed for about 10-12 hours, and when xylometazoline is used, it is slightly less, about 8 hours. However, such a powerful effect with prolonged use of this or another drug leads to damage to the mucous membrane, up to atrophy. Therefore, it is recommended to apply them continuously for no longer than five days for xylometazoline and three days for oxymetazoline.
The difference between xylometazoline and oxymetazoline is also in the severity of withdrawal syndrome after discontinuation of their use. So, the deterioration of the body after completion of treatment with oxymetazoline is less frequent than after xylometazoline. In addition, xylometazoline is categorically contraindicated in pregnancy, and oxymetazoline is allowed to be used during the bearing of the baby in minimal dosages under the supervision of a doctor.
Common contraindications for drugs are:
- diabetes;
- angle-closure glaucoma;
- pathologies of the thyroid gland;
- hypertonic disease;
- atrophic rhinitis .
In view of the foregoing, it can be concluded that nasal preparations based on oxymetazoline are safer. However, the final word should be only for the attending physician, who, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the pathology, can make the right choice.
Preparations based on oxymetazoline and xylometazoline
Common drugs with the active substance xylometazoline are:
- Halazolin;
- Pharmazoline;
- Otrivin.
On the basis of oxymetazoline, such drugs are produced:
- Knoxprey;
- Rinazolin;
- Nazivin.