Question :I regularly suffer from a stuffy nose and I usually reach for nasal drops or a nasal spray. How long can you actually use a nasal spray? I recently heard that you should not use the spray for more than a week, but I often use it much longer. I think I have some kind of addiction. Is that possible? P.K., GEFFEN
Answer pharmacist Marjan Terpstra: Nasal drops containing xylomethazoline should not be used for longer than one week. These nasal drops, which are intended for a stuffy nose, cause the swollen nasal mucosa to shrink. With a stuffy nose, the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa open slightly due to the inflammation. Xylomethazoline narrows those blood vessels a bit, which can reduce fluid and swelling in that place in the nose. The blockage will disappear and you can breathe better again.
Our nose is protected from dust and cold by cilia located in the nose. They also ensure that we can smell good. Because the blood flow to the nasal surface decreases slightly after using nasal drops with xylomethazoline, the cilia in that place in the nose also have less blood flow. This can be harmful because the cilia are not supplied with enough oxygen, which can cause them to die. This can happen with long-term use of a xylomethazoline nasal spray. It can even occur after one week…
In addition, the blood vessels easily become accustomed to xylomethazoline and therefore no longer respond to its use. You then have to use more and more to get the same effect and that can be harmful. In this sense, nasal drops can be addictive. The only advice to get rid of such an addiction is:stop!
You can switch to nasal drops with a saline solution. This is a safe and slightly less potent agent. Women who are pregnant are also advised not to use nasal spray with xylomethazoline. With frequent use, some of the active substance can still end up in the blood and that can affect the blood flow in the placenta. In short, always be careful when using nasal drops. Always ask for expert advice, even if you buy an over-the-counter medicine.'
