Comparative review of the preclinical safety of topical decongestants xylometazoline and oxymetazoline

Abstract

Annotation. Xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are two commonly used nasal decongestants that provide temporary relief from nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinusitis. The mechanism of action of both drugs consists in the narrowing of blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing oedema, rhinorrhoea and congestion. The aim of the study was to analyse literature data and assess the preclinical safety of xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. 32 scientific sources were selected and reviewed from the Scopus, Web of science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. In the process of processing the search results, either the most recent publications (for the last 10 years) or the latest publications on this issue (regardless of the age) were selected. Our analysis of scientific literature data allows us to state that neither xylometazoline nor oxymetazoline show any effects in animals that would have possible toxicological significance for patients. Since the doses used in experimental studies on animals were quite high and administered over a long period of time to determine possible adverse events, it can be concluded that there are no preclinical reasons to consider these drugs dangerous for human use at the recommended doses and indications.