Linezolid
Severe
Database
Hypertensive crisis, severe headache, palpitations.
CONTRAINDICATED. Avoid co-administration. If linezolid is necessary, avoid xylometazoline and use alternative decongestants or symptomatic relief.
Drug reference
xylometazoline
Selective α2 agonist · Nasal decongestant
Selective α2 agonistNasal decongestant
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
5 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12 →
- LinezolidSevereDatabase
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)SevereDatabase
- RasagilineSevereDatabase
- SelegilineSevereDatabase
Mechanism
Xylometazoline is an imidazoline compound and a relatively selective α2 agonist. It produces local vasoconstriction on topical application.
Indications
Nasal decongestant
Dosing
- Adult
- 0.1% topical in nose
- Pediatric
- 0.05% topical in nose
Pharmacokinetics
Duration
12 hours
Side effects
Common
After-congestion (prolonged use)Mucosal ciliary function impairment (prolonged use)Atrophic rhinitis (prolonged use)Anosmia (prolonged use)
Serious
- CNS depression (from systemic absorption)
- Rise in BP (from systemic absorption)
Drug interactions
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)
Severe
Database
Hypertensive crisis, severe headache, palpitations, intracranial hemorrhage.
CONTRAINDICATED. Avoid co-administration. A washout period of at least 14 days is required after stopping MAOIs before using xylometazoline.
Rasagiline
Severe
Database
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Selegiline
Severe
Database
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Sibutramine
Severe
Database
Hypertension, tachycardia, increased risk of cardiovascular events.
CONTRAINDICATED. Avoid co-administration. Sibutramine is largely withdrawn from the market due to cardiovascular risks, but if encountered, this interaction is significant.
Isocarboxazid
Moderate
Textbook
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Source: KDT 7e · p136
Moclobemide
Moderate
Textbook
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Source: KDT 7e · p136
Phenelzine
Moderate
Textbook
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Source: KDT 7e · p136
Procarbazine
Moderate
Textbook
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Source: KDT 7e · p136
Tranylcypromine
Moderate
Textbook
Systemic effects including rise in BP.
These drugs should be used cautiously in those receiving MAO inhibitors.
Source: KDT 7e · p136
Beta Blockers (non Selective)
Moderate
Database
Hypertension, reflex bradycardia, reduced efficacy of beta-blocker for blood pressure control.
Use with caution. Monitor blood pressure closely. Consider alternative decongestants. If co-administration is necessary, use the lowest effective dose of xylometazoline for the shortest duration possible. Advise patients to report symptoms of increased blood pressure.
Bromocriptine
Moderate
Database
Increased risk of hypertension, headache, and potentially cardiovascular events.
Use with caution. Monitor blood pressure. Consider alternative decongestants. Advise patients to report symptoms of increased blood pressure or headache.
Related guidelines
Ask House about xylometazoline
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team