Introduction
Olynth® is a drug used to treat swelling of the nasal mucosa, as it has a decongesting effect on the mucosa. The nasal mucosa swells in diseases such as rhinitis, colds and flu-like infections. It can also cause allergic swelling of the mucous membrane in the nose.
In such cases the swelling can be treated with Olynth®. By administering Olynth® as a nasal spray the swelling goes down and the patient can breathe through the nose again. Furthermore, Olynth® can facilitate the drainage of secretions in sinusitis and otitis media by generally reducing the swelling of the mucous membranes. Olynth® can be used for children and adults in different concentrations. Olynth® can be used as a nasal spray or as drops.
Mode of action
Olynth® is a drug from the class of locally applicable sympathomimetic drugs. The active ingredient contained in Olynth® is xylometazoline. This is an active ingredient from the group of rhinologicals (drugs to be applied in the nose).
Xylometazoline is normally used in salt form as xylometazoline hydrochloride. Olynth® acts as a sympathomimetic, i.e. as a substance that positively supports the sympathetic nervous system (part of the autonomic nervous system) in its action. In the vessels, this means that they contract.
This is exactly the desired effect because the swelling of the nasal mucosa is caused by very relaxed vessels and the resulting leakage of water. The contraction (constriction) of the vessels prevents water from escaping and the swelling is reduced. Olynth® has these vasoconstrictive properties because it acts on the alpha-receptors present in the vessels. Approximately five to ten minutes after application, an improvement in nasal breathing is already noticeable, and secretion can also drain more easily.
Side effects
Like any drug, Olynth® can have side effects, but these are rare and by no means common in every patient. If side effects occur during use, the treating physician must be informed immediately. The doctor will inform the patient about the risks and decide whether to discontinue the drug or continue to take it.
When using Olynth® there is a probability of an increased swelling of the nasal mucosa (reactive hyperemia) with a probability of one to a maximum of ten percent after the effect has ceased. In less than one percent of cases, nosebleeds or sneezing occur when using Olynth®. With the same frequency there are effects on the heart such as palpitations and pulse acceleration.
In addition, blood pressure may rise. In addition, hypersensitivity reactions can occur. These are for example a skin rash or itching or a reactive swelling of the skin and mucous membrane.
In very minor cases (less than one treated patient per thousand) headaches occur, these can be associated with fatigue and insomnia. Other side effects, which occur only in less than one in ten thousand cases, are as follows. Especially children may experience delusions, and children may also experience cardiac arrhythmias and cramps.
In general, especially with prolonged use, the nasal mucous membrane may burn more strongly and dry out. These side effects can also be aggravated by increased dosages. If the use of Olynth® is continued with these symptoms, permanent damage to the nasal mucosa and the formation of a so-called stinky nose with bark formation may occur.
