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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
Misuse of xylometazoline nasal drops by inhalation
Jacek Sein Anand1, Marek Salamon, Boguslaw Habrat
1Department of Internal Diseases and Acute Poisonings, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
Abstract:
Six male prisoners who misused xylometazoline nasal drops by inhalation were interviewed by a prison physician in 2006. The prisoners received xylometazoline drops during regular visits in the prison ambulatory service. In order to get the medication, the subjects reported false symptoms of rhinosinusitis and allergic reactions. Psychoactive effects of inhaled xylometazoline were described as "stimulation," "excitation," and "feeling of strength." Although preliminary, our findings suggest that topical adrenergic decongestants can produce rewarding effects when administered by inhalation.
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