Meralis

Meralis is a medicine used in cases of diseases affecting the nasal cavity. It belongs to the subgroup of sympathomimetics.

The component xylometazoline is a sympathomimetic agent that acts on α-adrenergic receptors. [ 1 ]

The medication causes the blood vessels inside the nose to narrow, reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, thereby improving the process of breathing through the nose during nasal congestion.

Indications Meralis

It is used to eliminate signs of nasal congestion in case of hay fever, sinusitis, colds and runny nose of allergic origin. It is also used to facilitate the outflow of nasal secretions in case of damage to the paranasal sinuses.

It can be prescribed as an adjuvant in case of otitis media (to remove swelling of the mucous membrane), and also to simplify the rhinoscopy procedure.

Release form

The drug is released in the form of a nasal spray - inside bottles equipped with a dispenser, having a volume of 10 or 15 ml. Inside the pack - 1 such bottle.

Pharmacodynamics

The development of the therapeutic effect begins after 2 minutes from the moment of application and continues for 12 hours. The medication is tolerated without complications, even in people with sensitive mucous membranes.

The drug reduces mucociliary activity; it has balanced pH values within the limits typical for the nasal cavity.

Dosing and administration

Before using the medicine, you need to completely clear the nasal cavity.

For children aged 2-12 years, a 0.05% spray is used – 1 spray into each nostril; the procedure is performed 1-2 times a day.

For persons over 12 years of age, 0.1% Meralis is used - 1 spray into each nostril, 2-3 times per day.

The medication should be used for a maximum of 5 days, unless the attending physician has prescribed a different duration of the treatment cycle. In this case, after a break of several days, it is allowed to resume using the medication.

With prolonged use of the drug, atrophy of the nasal mucosa may develop. In cases of chronic disorders, the drug is used exclusively under medical supervision.

Before the first use, 4 injections of the medicine into the air should be made to ensure uniformity of the medicinal dose. The bottle should be stored in an upright position. If the medicine has not been used for several days, at least 1 injection into the air should be made before use to also ensure uniformity of the dosage.

• Application for children

The medicine in the form of a 0.05% spray can be used by people aged 2-12 years. The 0.1% spray is prescribed to people over 12 years of age.

Use Meralis during pregnancy

The medication is prohibited for use in pregnant women due to the possibility of developing a vasoconstrictor effect.

There is no evidence that Meralis has any adverse effects on infants.

There is no information regarding whether xylometazoline can be excreted in breast milk, which is why the drug can only be used during lactation with a doctor’s prescription and with extreme caution.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe intolerance associated with the action of xylometazoline or other components of the drug;
• dryness of the nasal mucosa, in which crusts form (dry rhinitis);
• history of transsphenoidal hypophysectomy procedures or other surgeries that expose the meninges.

Side effects Meralis

Main side effects:

• immune disorders: occasionally, symptoms of intolerance appear, including itching, Quincke's edema and rashes;
• problems with the functioning of the nervous system: insomnia, fatigue or headaches occasionally occur;
• visual impairment: transient visual impairment is occasionally observed;
• problems with the functioning of the cardiovascular system: occasionally, increased blood pressure or rapid/irregular heartbeat are observed;
• Disorders associated with the mediastinum, sternum and respiratory organs: discomfort and dryness in the nasal mucosa or reactive hyperemia often appear after the completion of drug therapy;
• gastrointestinal dysfunction: nausea often develops;
• Systemic disorders and signs in the area of application: burning sensation often occurs in the treatment area.

Overdose

When a large dose of xylometazoline hydrochloride is administered or accidentally taken orally, hyperhidrosis, severe dizziness, bradycardia, convulsions, respiratory depression, headaches, and coma may develop, and in addition, the temperature decreases significantly and the blood pressure increases. The increased blood pressure may change to a decreased one. Small children have a higher sensitivity to drug toxicity.

Persons suspected of overdosing should undergo supportive procedures and immediate symptomatic actions, if necessary (under medical supervision). Medical supervision of the patient for several hours is also necessary. In case of severe intoxication, against the background of which cardiac arrest occurs, resuscitation procedures should be carried out for at least 1 hour.

Interactions with other drugs

Xylometazoline can potentiate the activity of MAOIs and induce the development of a hypertensive crisis. It is prohibited to prescribe the drug to people taking MAOIs (or who have used them in the last 14 days).

The use of sympathomimetics together with tricyclics or tetracyclics can potentiate the sympathomimetic effect of xylometazoline - for this reason, such a combination is not used.

The introduction of Meralis together with β-blockers can provoke bronchospasm and a decrease in blood pressure.

Storage conditions

Meralis should be stored in a dark place, out of the reach of small children. Temperature values are within the 25°C mark.

Shelf life

Meralis should be used within 36 months from the date of manufacture of the medicinal product.

Analogues

Analogues of the therapeutic substance are the drugs Otrivin, Evkabal with Tizin Xylo, Dlanos with Xylo-Mefa and Galazolin, as well as Evkazolin Aqua with Grippostad Rino, Farmazolin with Rinazal-Darnitsa and Gippocitron Rinos.