What Is Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray Used For?

Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray is a nasal decongestant that quickly relieves your stuffy nose and helps clear nasal passages by reducing excessive nasal secretions. It is suitable for adults and children 12 years and over.

Primary Uses

Used for the relief of blocked nose caused by colds, flu, sinusitis, hay fever or other allergic rhinitis.

How It Works

Contains xylometazoline hydrochloride which works as a nasal decongestant to reduce excessive nasal secretions and clear blocked nasal passages.

How to Take Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray

Always use Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray exactly as recommended. The spray should be used when necessary, with proper technique for best results.

Dosage Instructions

1 spray into each nostril up to 3 times daily as needed. Do not exceed 3 applications daily in each nostril. Do not use more often than every 8-10 hours. Before first use, prime the pump by actuating 4 times. If not used for longer than 7 days, reprime with 4 actuations. Hold bottle upright, insert nozzle into nostril, spray and breathe in gently through nose at the same time.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget to use Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Simply use it when you next need it.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Headache
• Nasal dryness
• Nasal discomfort
• Nausea
• Application site burning
• Brief stinging sensation or sneezing

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before using Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray.

Who Should Not Take Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray

Do not use in children below 12 years of age. Do not use if you are allergic to xylometazoline or any other ingredients. Do not use if you have had the pituitary gland removed by operation through the nose, undergone recent trans-nasal surgery, have narrow angle glaucoma, or have chronic nasal inflammation with very dry nasal passages (rhinitis sicca or atrophic rhinitis).

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high blood pressure, heart disease (e.g. long QT syndrome), an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, difficulty in urinating and/or an enlarged prostate gland (prostatic hypertrophy), a tendency to have nose bleeds, or a rare tumour of the adrenal gland that produces high amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline (phaeochromocytoma).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not use Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray if you are pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, this medication should only be used if recommended by your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray and affect how it works. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking.

• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (used for treatment of depression) – not recommended if taking or have taken within the last 14 days as it may substantially increase blood pressure
• Tri-cyclic and tetra-cyclic antidepressants – may increase the effects of xylometazoline

Alcohol & Driving

Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines, but you should be careful until you know how it affects you.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray affects you. The medication has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Storage

Store below 25°C in the original package. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the outer pack and immediate container.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Otrivin Menthol Nasal Spray, or in case of accidental ingestion, you may need urgent medical attention. Signs of overdose may include severe dizziness, sweating, severely lowered body temperature, headache, slow heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, impaired breathing, coma, convulsion, high blood pressure which may be followed by low blood pressure. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26; New Zealand 0800 764 766), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions