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The Sound of Evolution
Xylometazoline
Mechanism of action:
Xylometazoline is an alpha-adrenergic agonist. Xylometazoline primarily activates alpha1-adrenergic receptors on the vascular smooth muscle of the nasal mucosa, which are Gq/11 protein-coupled receptors, and also has some activity at alpha2 receptors, which are Gi/o protein-coupled receptors. This causes constriction of nasal mucosal blood vessels, decreases blood flow in the nasal mucosa, reduces tissue edema and congestion, and lowers nasal airflow resistance.
Reference(s):
1. Haenisch B et al. (2010). Alpha-adrenoceptor agonistic activity of oxymetazoline and xylometazoline. Fundam Clin Pharmacol.
2. Eccles R et al. (2008). The nasal decongestant effect of xylometazoline in the common cold. Am J Rhinol.
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