Otrivin Nasal Spray 10ml
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$19.01
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SKU
140021
Otrivin Nasal Spray contains xylometazoline hydrochloride 1.0mg/mL in a 10mL metered dose bottle, for relief of a blocked nose from colds, flu, sinusitis or hay fever. Adult formulation. Pharmacy Medicine (Schedule 2).
How Otrivin nasal spray works
The xylometazoline in Otrivin is a topical vasoconstrictor. A blocked nose is mostly swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining rather than mucus, and narrowing those vessels shrinks the lining and opens the airway. Because it is applied directly, it works within minutes and very little enters the bloodstream compared with a swallowed decongestant.
The three day limit, and why it matters
This is the single most important thing to know about any decongestant nasal spray. Used beyond a few consecutive days, the nasal lining rebounds: it swells again as each dose wears off, you reach for the spray sooner, and you end up congested because of the spray rather than the cold. The condition has a name, rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is common, unpleasant and entirely avoidable.
Do not use it for more than 3 consecutive days unless a doctor tells you otherwise, and follow the maximum daily doses on the pack. If your nose is blocked again every time it wears off and you have been using it over a week, stop and speak to a pharmacist. For ongoing allergic congestion, a steroid nasal spray is the class designed for long-term use; a decongestant spray is not.
Using Otrivin nasal spray properly
Blow your nose gently first. Keep your head upright rather than tipped back, close one nostril, insert the tip just inside the other and spray while breathing in gently through that nostril. Do not sniff hard, which pulls it past the lining and down the throat where it does nothing. Wipe the nozzle and recap.
The bottle is personal: do not share it with anyone, since the tip contacts the nasal lining.
Specifications
| Active ingredient | Xylometazoline hydrochloride 1.0mg/mL |
| Format | Metered dose nasal spray |
| Size | 10mL |
| Formulation | Adult |
| Onset and duration | Fast acting, relief up to 10 hours |
| Maximum duration of use | 3 consecutive days |
| Scheduling | Pharmacy Medicine, Schedule 2 |
Browse medical supplies, or see first aid supplies for the wider cold and flu range.
Otrivin nasal spray FAQs
Can I use Otrivin every day?
No. Do not use it for more than 3 consecutive days unless a doctor directs otherwise. Continued use causes rebound congestion, where the nose blocks up because of the spray, and that is much harder to get out of than the original cold.
How do I spray Otrivin correctly?
Blow your nose gently, keep your head upright rather than tipped back, close one nostril, insert the tip just inside the other and spray while breathing in gently. Do not sniff hard, which sends it past the nasal lining and down the throat.
How quickly does Otrivin work and how long does it last?
It acts within minutes because it is applied directly to the nasal lining, with relief of up to 10 hours stated on the pack. That long duration is also why it is easy to overuse, so stick to the pack maximum.
Can I use it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any decongestant in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not self-select it on the basis that it is applied locally rather than swallowed.
Can I use it with a steroid nasal spray?
Ask your pharmacist. They treat different things, a decongestant for short-term blockage and a steroid spray for ongoing allergic inflammation, and they are sometimes used together for a short period under advice. Do not combine nasal products without checking.
Is this the adult or child strength?
This is the adult formulation at 1.0mg/mL. Paediatric strengths of xylometazoline are different products and are not interchangeable with this one. Check the pack before giving anything to a child.
Why is my nose blocked again as soon as it wears off?
That is the rebound effect, and it is the signal to stop. If it has been going on beyond a few days, stop the spray and speak to a pharmacist about how to come off it. Persisting will make it worse, not better.
Always read the label and use only as directed. Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days unless advised by a doctor. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. This information is a general guide and is not medical advice.
| Brand | Otrivin |
|---|