Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray

What is Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray?

Otrivine is a nasal spray that relieves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), as well as the common cold and sinusitis.

It contains a decongestant called Xylometazoline. This ingredient works by shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose), but Xylometazoline reverses this dilation.

What is Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray used for?

Otrivine can be used to treat any kind of condition which causes congestion. Most commonly, these conditions are:

• Hay fever
• Sinusitis
• The common cold
• Flu

How does Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray work?

Otrivine works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal area, reducing the swelling and congestion caused by hay fever, sinusitis or a cold.

The active ingredient in Otrivine is a decongestant called Xylometazoline — this is what causes the blood vessels in the nasal passage to temporarily shrink.

Who is Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray suitable for?

Otrivine is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. This medication should not be used on children under the age of 12.

Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray alternatives

Otrivine is an effective over-the-counter decongestant used to treat hay fever, but the spray will only help to unblock your stuffy nose. If you’re struggling with additional symptoms, such as itching within the nose or around your eyes, you may also need to use an antihistamine.

There are plenty of alternative hay fever medicines that can be used instead of — or in some cases alongside — Otrivine nasal spray. These include:

• Over-the-counter antihistamine tablets: Piriton, Loratadine, and Cetirizine
• Prescription antihistamine tablets: Telfast and Xyzal
• Over-the-counter steroidal nasal sprays: Pirinase, Dymista, and Beclometasone
• Prescription-only nasal sprays: Avamys, Flixonase, Rhinolast, and Nasonex
• Eye drop solutions: Opticrom and Optilast

You can find the above medicines and more over on our hay fever treatments page. If you don’t see any positive results from using OTC products, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of using a prescription treatment.

If you’re seeking an alternative decongestant, you could also try Sudafed Decongestant Tablets, Vicks Sinex Soother, or Vicks Micromist, all of which are available through The Independent Pharmacy.

How to use Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray

For adults and children over 12 years of age: 1 spray in each nostril up to 3 times daily.

Do not cut the nozzle. The metered dose spray is ready to prime before use.

Clear your nose before using the spray.

Instructions

• Remove protective cap.
• Before using it for the first time, prime the pump by pumping 4 times. Be very careful not to spray in the eyes or mouth.
• Hold the bottle upright with your thumb under the base and the nozzle between your two fingers.
• Insert the nozzle into the nostril.
• Depress the pump and sniff at the same time.
• Repeat with your other nostril.
• Clean and dry the nozzle before replacing the cap right after use.

Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray ingredients

The active ingredient in Otrivine is Xylometazoline Hydrochloride 0.1% w/v.

Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray also contains: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Acid Phosphate, Disodium Edetate, Benzalkonium Chloride, and Water.

Sources

• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6155.pdf

Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray side effects

As with any medication, Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray may cause side effects in certain patients. These include:

Common:

• Headache
• Nasal dryness
• Nasal discomfort
• Nausea
• Local irritation after using the spray

Uncommon:

• Nosebleeds

Very rare:

• Hypersensitivity including rash and pruritus
• Disturbances of vision
• Palpitations and increased heart rate

Other side effects include:

• A burning sensation in the nose and throat

If you experience any side effects not listed here, stop using Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray and consult your GP immediately.

Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray warnings

As with any decongestant medication, it’s advised that you do not continue to take Otrivine for more than seven days, as prolonged use can cause rebound congestion.

Otrivine is not suitable for use in children under the age of 12. Keep Otrivine out of the sight and reach of children.

Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray and other medicines

All prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you use should be disclosed to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.

Before using the spray tell your doctor if you:

• Have hypertension
• Have heart or circulatory disease
• Have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Suffer from diabetes mellitus
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

In very sensitive patients, Otrivine may cause sleep disturbances, dizziness and tremor. In this case, you should consult your doctor.

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication can cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) during treatment with this medication.

It is also recommended that you should not take MAO inhibitors for two weeks before taking this medication. If you are not sure when to begin or stop using Otrivine, ask your doctor for advice.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use.