How does Antazol work? A deep dive into its decongestant and antiallergic action

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that nasal congestion is caused by swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages? This is where Antazol comes in, using active ingredients like Xylometazoline to constrict these vessels and provide rapid relief.

Quick Summary

Antazol provides relief from nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages via its active ingredient, Xylometazoline, which acts as a sympathomimetic agent. Some variants also contain Sodium Cromoglicate to address allergic rhinitis by stabilizing mast cells.

Key Points

Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist: Antazol's active ingredient, Xylometazoline, functions by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal lining.
Vasoconstriction: This stimulation leads to the narrowing of blood vessels in the nose, which reduces swelling and congestion.
Rapid Relief: The decongestant effect starts quickly, providing relief within minutes of application.
Dual-Action Formulas: Some versions, like Antazol Plus, contain Sodium Cromoglicate, which acts as a mast cell stabilizer to prevent allergic symptoms.
Risk of Rebound Congestion: Long-term or excessive use can cause rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition where congestion returns worse after stopping the medication.
Limited Use: To avoid dependency and rebound congestion, Antazol should not be used for more than 3 to 7 consecutive days.

The Core Mechanism of Antazol: Xylometazoline

Antazol's primary mechanism of action relies on its active ingredient, Xylometazoline, a powerful sympathomimetic agent. As a sympathomimetic, Xylometazoline mimics the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine, naturally occurring compounds in the body's sympathetic nervous system. In the context of nasal congestion, this action is localized and targeted directly at the nasal mucosa.

How Xylometazoline Acts on Blood Vessels

When Xylometazoline is applied to the nasal passages (via drops or spray), it interacts with specific proteins on the surface of blood vessels known as alpha-adrenergic receptors. The binding of Xylometazoline to these receptors triggers a process called vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels.

In cases of colds, allergies, or sinusitis, these blood vessels become dilated and swollen, leading to congestion and a stuffy nose. By forcing these vessels to constrict, Xylometazoline effectively reduces the swelling in the nasal mucosa and surrounding areas, including the pharynx. This reduction in inflammation reopens the nasal passages, restoring normal airflow and making it easier to breathe. The onset of this decongestant effect is fast, typically beginning within a few minutes and lasting for several hours.

Antazol Plus and the Role of Sodium Cromoglicate

In addition to the standard Antazol formulation, some variants, such as "Antazol Plus," are designed to address allergic rhinitis more comprehensively by including Sodium Cromoglicate. This second active ingredient employs an entirely different pharmacological pathway to combat allergies.

Sodium Cromoglicate as a Mast Cell Stabilizer

Sodium Cromoglicate functions as a mast cell stabilizer, acting locally within the nasal mucosa to prevent the cascade of allergic reactions. During an allergic response, the body's immune system releases inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, from specialized cells called mast cells. These mediators are responsible for the classic allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and increased nasal secretions.

Sodium Cromoglicate does not block histamine directly but rather prevents its release by stabilizing the mast cells before they can be triggered by allergens. This preemptive action helps prevent or reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms. By combining Xylometazoline's decongestant effects with Sodium Cromoglicate's antiallergic properties, Antazol Plus offers a more complete solution for individuals suffering from allergy-induced nasal congestion.

Cautions and Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, the use of Antazol comes with important precautions, particularly concerning duration of use. The most significant risk is a phenomenon known as rhinitis medicamentosa, or rebound congestion. This occurs when the nasal mucosa becomes dependent on the medication for constriction. When the drug is stopped, chronic congestion can occur as the blood vessels overcompensate by swelling even more.

To prevent rebound congestion, it is crucial to follow the recommended usage guidelines, which typically advise against using decongestants for more than three to seven consecutive days.

Common side effects may include:

A burning or stinging sensation in the nose
Nasal dryness or irritation
Sneezing
Headache
In rare cases, systemic cardiovascular effects like increased heart rate or blood pressure. This is particularly relevant for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Comparison of Antazol (Xylometazoline) and Other Decongestants


Feature	Antazol (Xylometazoline)	Oxymetazoline	Pseudoephedrine	Phenylephrine (Nasal)
Route	Nasal spray/drops	Nasal spray/drops	Oral tablets/syrup	Nasal spray/drops
Onset	Rapid (within minutes)	Rapid (within minutes)	Slower (oral absorption)	Rapid (within minutes)
Mechanism	Alpha-adrenergic agonist (vasoconstriction)	Alpha-adrenergic agonist (vasoconstriction)	Alpha-adrenergic agonist (vasoconstriction)	Alpha-adrenergic agonist (vasoconstriction)
Rebound Congestion Risk	High with prolonged use (>7 days)	High with prolonged use (>3-7 days)	None (oral route)	High with prolonged use (>3-7 days)
Systemic Effects	Minimal, but possible	Minimal, but possible	Significant (cardiovascular, CNS)	Minimal, but possible
Use in Allergic Rhinitis	Yes, especially 'Antazol Plus' with sodium cromoglicate	Yes, for congestion relief	Yes, for systemic relief	Yes, for congestion relief

Proper Usage and Conclusion

Antazol is an effective nasal decongestant that provides rapid and localized relief from congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Its mechanism of action, primarily through the alpha-adrenergic agonist Xylometazoline, offers a quick solution by constricting swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages. For allergy-related congestion, formulations containing Sodium Cromoglicate add a preventative action by stabilizing mast cells.

However, the key to safe and effective use lies in adhering to the recommended dosage and duration to avoid the risk of rebound congestion. If your congestion persists or worsens, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. For more in-depth information on Xylometazoline, consult resources like the DrugBank entry on Xylometazoline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of Antazol is to relieve nasal congestion caused by conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Antazol, containing Xylometazoline, works very quickly, with its decongestant effect typically beginning within a few minutes after application.

Rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, is a cycle of worsening congestion that occurs after prolonged use of nasal decongestants. It is best prevented by limiting the use of Antazol to no more than 3 to 7 consecutive days, as directed by product instructions and medical advice.

No, Antazol contains Xylometazoline as its primary active ingredient, while products like Afrin contain Oxymetazoline. Both are alpha-adrenergic agonists that function similarly, but they are different compounds.

Yes, Antazol is indicated for allergic rhinitis. Some formulations, like 'Antazol Plus', contain Sodium Cromoglicate, which specifically helps prevent allergic reactions in the nasal mucosa.

Due to its potential for systemic vasoconstrictor effects, it is generally advised to exercise caution and consult with a doctor before using Antazol during pregnancy.

If you experience rebound congestion from prolonged use, it is best to stop using the medication and consult a healthcare professional. They may suggest alternative treatments to help your nasal passages return to normal.