Xylometazoline and oxymetazoline - unusual effects of everyday drugs (literature review)

The aim of the study is to systematize the knowledge about xylometazoline and oxymetazoline - commonly used nasal sprays with sympathicomimetic effect, mainly directly on α-adrenergic receptors [1]. A review of recent reports on possible side effects and new therapeutic options will be presented. Results: Over several years, reports have been published regarding descriptions of unusual cases of side effects, such as angina attack [4], a case of respiratory failure in a newborn [5], ischemic stroke [6], or anaphylactic reaction during routine surgery. In experiments using rats, on the other hand, it has been shown that these substances can also cause increased inflammation of the lower respiratory tract [7], as well as numerous ophthalmic problems [8]. Recent reports also suggest new uses for xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. In combination with lidocaine, an intranasal solution of xylometazoline has shown efficacy in the anesthesia of maxillary teeth in patients with minor carious lesions [9], and a beneficial therapeutic combination of oxymetazoline and dye laser (PDL) has also been reported for the treatment of rosacea, among others [10]. Conclusions: Although imidazoline derivatives were admitted to the drug list decades ago, still their pharmacological potential has not been fully exploited. Finding applications of these drugs in dermatology and dentistry may not only improve the efficacy and comfort of treatment, but also significantly reduce the costs of the whole therapy. The aforementioned reports on the side effects of xylometazoline and oxymetazoline should not be forgotten. It is possible that the presented examples will increase awareness to use these drugs with more respect, according to the recommendations on the leaflet.

Conceptual Model for Using Imidazoline Derivative Solutions in Pulpal Management

Alpha-adrenergic agonists, such as the Imidazoline derivatives (ImDs) of oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, are highly effective hemostatic agents. ImDs have not been widely used in dentistry but their use in medicine, specifically in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, warrants consideration for pulpal hemostasis. This review presents dental healthcare professionals with an overview of ImDs in medicine. ImD solutions have the potential to be more effective and biocompatible than existing topical hemostatic compounds in pulpal management. Through a comprehensive analysis of the pharmacology of ImDs and the microphysiology of hemostasis regulation in oral tissues, a conceptual model of pulpal management by ImD solutions is presented.

How Toxic indeed is Oxymetazoline? Collection and Comparison of Toxicological Data of Pharmacologically Active Imidazoline Derivatives

Imidazoline derivatives, such as xylometazoline, naphazoline, tetryzoline, tramazoline or oxymetazoline play an important pharmacological role as nasal drops in the symptomatic treatment of rhinitis. When comparing the toxicological data of these substances, it is noticeable that Oxymetazoline has an LD50 value which is two orders of magnitude lower than all other imidazoline derivatives. Thus, ten vials of commercially available oxymetazoline nasal drops already contain a lethal amount. An explanation for this unusually high toxicity has not yet been found.

How Toxic indeed is Oxymetazoline? Collection and Comparison of Toxicological Data of Pharmacologically Active Imidazoline Derivatives

Imidazoline derivatives, such as xylometazoline, naphazoline, tetryzoline, tramazoline or oxymetazoline play an important pharmacological role as nasal drops in the symptomatic treatment of rhinitis. When comparing the toxicological data of these substances, it is noticeable that Oxymetazoline has an LD50 value which is two orders of magnitude lower than all other imidazoline derivatives. Thus, ten vials of commercially available oxymetazoline nasal drops already contain a lethal amount. An explanation for this unusually high toxicity has not yet been found.