MHRA Restricts Nasal Decongestant Sprays to Five-Day Use
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has restricted the use of nasal decongestant sprays containing xylometazoline and oxymetazoline to a maximum of five days.
This decision follows advice from Expert Advisory Groups to the Commission on Human Medicines, citing adverse effects from prolonged use, including rebound congestion and rhinitis medicamentosa.
Key Details- The products are used for nasal congestion caused by colds, flu, and allergies, and are available over the counter.
- New packaging and patient information leaflets will state that duration of use should not exceed five days.
- Existing stock with packaging indicating up to seven days may still be sold; patients are advised to follow the updated five-day guidance.
- Changes to product information will take several months to implement.
"If your nose is still blocked after five days of using a nasal spray, it could be caused by overuse of the product, rather than your original symptoms."
— Thao Huynh, Head of Respiratory Imaging and Critical Care at the MHRA
Huynh added: "Continuing to use it could make the problem worse. Instead, talk to a healthcare professional about stopping use of the product and whether alternative treatments could help."
"We support clearer product information and improved packaging, alongside consistent public messaging, to improve awareness that these products are for short-term use only and to avoid preventable harm."
— Professor Amira Guirguis, Chief Scientist at the Royal College of Pharmacy
Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.