Sudafed Sinus-Ease 0.1% Xylometazoline Nasal Spray - 15ml

Sudafed's spray for the blocked, aching face of a sinus cold: one spray of xylometazoline into each nostril shrinks the swollen lining within minutes and keeps the nose open for hours, so the sinuses can drain and the pressure eases. For adults and children from 12, for up to seven days. 15ml.

Decongestant tablets work from the inside and take longer; a spray lands the decongestant directly on the lining, which is why sprays beat tablets for a blocked nose and work fast enough to help you sleep. Xylometazoline narrows the blood vessels in the swollen tissue, opening the passages and the sinus drainage channels, which relieves the face-ache as well as the blockage. The limit is seven days, because used longer it causes rebound congestion.

Adults and children over 12: one spray into each nostril, two to three times a day as needed. Blow the nose first. Don't use for more than seven consecutive days; if still blocked, switch to a drug-free sea water spray and see a pharmacist.

Not for under-12s. Not with MAOI antidepressants, and ask a pharmacist first with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma or an enlarged prostate. For sinus pain with aches and fever, Sudafed Sinus Max Strength capsules add paracetamol. Sinus pain with a high fever, swelling around the eye, or lasting more than ten days needs a GP.