Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray Used For?
Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray is a nasal decongestant that quickly relieves your stuffy nose and helps clear nasal passages by reducing excessive nasal secretions. It is approved for adults and children 12 years and over.
Primary Uses
This medication is used for the relief of blocked nose caused by colds, flu, sinusitis, hay fever, or other allergic rhinitis conditions.
How It Works
The active ingredient xylometazoline hydrochloride works as a nasal decongestant to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and decrease excessive nasal secretions, helping you breathe more easily.
Quick Relief: This nasal spray provides quick relief for stuffy nose symptoms and helps clear nasal passages effectively.
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How to Take Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray
Always use Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray exactly as recommended. Clear your nose before use and follow the proper spray technique for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Use 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, re-prime with 4 actuations. Hold bottle upright, lean forward slightly, insert nozzle into nostril, spray and breathe in gently through nose. Clean and dry nozzle after use.
What If You Miss a Dose?
This medication is used when necessary for symptom relief. If you forget to use it, do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.
Important: Do not exceed the recommended dosage, especially in children and elderly patients. Do not use for more than 3 days at a time unless advised by a doctor.
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
- Sneezing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Hypersensitivity reaction (swelling, rash, itching)
- Transient visual impairment
- Heart rate irregularities
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing problems in young infants
- Sudden severe headaches with nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Swelling of lips, face or throat
Sleep and Nervous System Effects
Like other nasal decongestants, this medication may cause sleep disturbances, dizziness, or tremor in very sensitive patients. Consult your doctor if these symptoms prove troublesome.
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and groups of people who should not use this medication. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray
Do not use if you are: under 12 years of age, allergic to xylometazoline or any ingredients, have had pituitary gland removed through nose surgery, have undergone recent trans-nasal surgery, have narrow angle glaucoma, have chronic nasal inflammation with very dry nasal passages, or are pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: high blood pressure, heart disease (including long QT syndrome), overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, difficulty urinating or enlarged prostate, tendency to have nose bleeds, or a rare tumor of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use if you are pregnant. If breastfeeding, only use if recommended by your doctor. Always consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Rebound Congestion: Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen. Excessive use may damage the lining of your nose.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Blood Pressure Warning: Use with MAO inhibitors may substantially increase blood pressure. Consult a doctor before using if you take any of the mentioned medications.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors – not recommended if taking or have taken within last 14 days
- Tri-cyclic antidepressants – may increase effects of xylometazoline
- Tetra-cyclic antidepressants – may increase effects of xylometazoline
Alcohol & Driving
This medication has minimal effects on your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be cautious until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol. No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but always inform your healthcare provider about your alcohol consumption.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray affects you. This medication has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Storage
Store below 30°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 package.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray or if accidental ingestion occurs, seek urgent medical attention. Signs may include severe dizziness, sweating, severely lowered body temperature, headache, slow or rapid heartbeat, impaired breathing, coma, convulsions, high blood pressure 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 nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray quickly relieves your stuffy nose and helps clear nasal passages. The medication is designed to provide fast relief from nasal congestion.
Do not use for more than 3 days at a time unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. If congestion persists, seek medical advice as frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.
Do not use Otrivin Adult Nasal Spray in children below 12 years of age. It is indicated for adults and children 12 years and over. Otrivin Junior Nasal Spray is available for children aged 6-11 years.
If you accidentally spray into your eyes, rinse the eyes thoroughly with running water and contact your doctor immediately for advice. You may experience temporary blurring of vision, eye irritation, painful or red eyes, and worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma may occur.
No, each pack should be used by only one person for hygiene reasons and to avoid possible spread of infection. The spray should only be used by one person.
Use 1 spray into each nostril up to 3 times daily as needed. Do not exceed 3 applications daily in each nostril and do not use more often than every 8-10 hours.
If irritation occurs or you have signs of allergy, discontinue use immediately. Brief stinging sensation or sneezing may occur normally, but if you experience persistent irritation, stop using the product and consult your healthcare provider.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.