Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray for Congestion - 10ml

Product Summary

Otrivine Adult Metered Dose 0.1% Nasal Spray is used to give relief from:

• Nasal congestion (blocked nose, including colds), perennial and allergic rhinitis (recurring inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, including hay fever and sinusitis.
• Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray contains the active ingredient xylometazoline hydrochloride, which helps to open up and clear the nasal passages by reducing the excessive nasal secretions and reducing swollen blood vessels to their normal size.
• Otrivine Nasal Spray helps unblock your nose in 2 minutes and lasts for up to 10 hours.

Directions

• For full instructions, see the enclosed leaflet.
• Dosage for adults and children over 12 years: one application in each nostril 1 to 3 times daily.
• Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days.

Ingredients

• The active ingredient is xylometazoline hydrochloride (0.1% w/v).
• The other ingredients are benzalkonium chloride, sodium phosphate. disodium edetate, sodium acid phosphate, sodium chloride, sorbitol, hypromellose, and purified water.

Warnings and Restrictions

Read product packaging and labels carefully prior to use.

• Not suitable for infants or children under 12 years
• Do not use continuously for more than seven consecutive days.
• If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
• Do not exceed the stated dose.
• For reasons of hygiene, do not use this bottle more than 28 days after first opening it.
• Each Otrivine pack should be used by one person only to prevent any cross-infection.

DO NOT use the spray if you:

• are allergic to xylometazoline hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in the spray (see information leaflet)
• have had recent neurosurgery.

Take special care. Before using the spray tell your doctor if you:

• have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• have glaucoma
• have diabetes mellitus
• have heart or circulatory disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• have hypertension.

Do not take decongestants for more than 7 days in a row.

Taking other medicines

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can I use Otrivine Nasal Spray while taking other cold or flu remedies?

Yes, but carefully. Otrivine is usually safe to use with over-the-counter cold and flu treatments like paracetamol or ibuprofen. But do not use it with other decongestants (especially pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) as it will increase the risk of side effects like high blood pressure, fast heart rate, or restlessness. If you are taking prescribed medication, especially antidepressants like MAOIs or tricyclics, see a pharmacist first, as they can interact with nasal sprays. Always check the labels and never assume that similar ingredients are the same. If in doubt, bring your current medications to the pharmacy, and have the pharmacist scan them for you. Taking medicines without checking can sometimes be more dangerous than helpful.

Why can't I use Otrivine for longer than seven consecutive days?

If you take Otrivine for longer than seven consecutive days, you can get worse nasal congestion. This is referred to as "rebound congestion." It is because your nose gets used to the spray and stuffs up again as soon as the effect of the medicine has passed off, so that you become more blocked. As time passes, this cycle can cause long-term harm to your nasal lining and make it more difficult to breathe normally. To prevent this, always take the directions carefully and take a break after 7 days. If your nose remains congested after a week, consult your pharmacist or doctor to discuss safer long-term alternatives. They could suggest a saline spray, antihistamines, or another treatment, depending on the reason for your congestion.

Is Otrivine Nasal Spray safe to use during hay fever season?

Yes, Otrivine is safe to use during hay fever season if you have a blocked nose because of allergic rhinitis. It works quickly to thin the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. However, since hay fever symptoms can last for months or weeks, Otrivine shouldn't be the only treatment you employ. Since you cannot use it continuously for more than 7 consecutive days, instead use it as an intermittent relief medicine while your steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines take effect. For recurring symptoms, consult your pharmacist or GP for a comprehensive allergy treatment regimen. Otrivine is excellent for providing instant relief, but it is not suitable for long-term daily use.

What should I do if I have inadvertently used too much Otrivine?

If you have taken too much Otrivine, you may experience side effects like headaches, a quickened pulse, getting nervous or restless, or even experiencing nosebleeds. If you have only taken a small extra amount of the dose once, it should be okay enough—just stop using the spray and wait for your next prescribed dose. But repeated or prolonged taking of too much can lead to more nasty side effects or rebound congestion. Occasionally, in very exceptional cases, too much of the working ingredient (xylometazoline) reduces blood pressure or causes dizziness. If you or someone else has taken an enormous quantity, especially if a child swallowed it, call for medical help immediately. Keep medicines out of reach of children so they can't be taken accidentally.

Are there alternatives to Otrivine for nasal congestion?

Yes, several alternatives are available depending on the reason and how long you need it. For temporary relief without drugs, you can use a saline nasal spray or washout to remove allergens and mucus without causing rebound congestion. If an allergy causes your problem, tablets of an antihistamine or steroid nasal sprays like beclometasone may be more effective for ongoing control. If you are congested with a cold, menthol rubs, steam inhalation, and drinking plenty of fluids can also be beneficial. Your pharmacist should be able to recommend the most appropriate one based on your age, medical condition, and other medications. Otrivine is rapid and effective, but not always suitable for all situations.