Otrivin Nasal Drop

What is Otrivin?

Otrivin is a nasal spray that is used to temporarily relieve congestion of the nose caused by common cold, rhinitis, sinusitis, air pollution, and various type of allergies. Nasal congestion can cause discomfort, difficulty in falling asleep and can impair hearing.

Otrivin performs its action by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. In this way, it reduces swelling and congestion. It is a clear, colorless, and odorless solution. It is generally well-tolerated and has no effect on the ciliated epithelium of the nasal area.

Active ingredient

Xylometazoline hydrochloride

Otrivin nasal drops also contain purified water, monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, levomenthol, ethanol, cetrimide, methyl hydroxybenzoate, camphor

Formulations

1. OtrivinNasal Spray 0.05%
2. Otrivin Nose Drops 0.1%

Duration of action

Provides relief in 2 hours and its effect lasts for 12 hours.

Size

Size of container is 10 ml.

Uses of otrivin spray

Otrivin nasal drops are used to constrict blood vessels and decongest nasal blood vessels to provide ease to patients in breathing through the nose. Congestion is caused by swelling of the nasal passages.

1. It provides relief from nasal congestion.
2. It can also be used to reduce swelling in the nose area before performing any surgery.
3. In otitis media (ear infection) to decongest the nasopharyngeal mucosa.
4. Before rhinoscopy

Dosage

In adults

• 1 puff into one nostril at a time
• 2-3 puffs in a day (every 8 to 10 hours)

Pediatric dose: (children above 6 years)

• 2 to 3 puffs in each nostril after every 12 hours.
• Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.
• Always use with adult supervision.

Directions to use otrivin nasal spray

• Carefully read the leaflet that comes with the spray and follow the directions to use specified on the leaflet.
• Use the otrivin spray as directed by your physician. For any queries, contact your doctor.
• Shake well before use.
• Clean your nose thoroughly before using the medication.
• Before using the spray, blow your nose gently. Close the nostril that is not receiving the medication by pressing with your finger.
• Tilt your head back while lying down.
• Use the otrivin nasal spray in the nostril not pressed by the finger. Whiff hard for a few seconds to make sure that the medication reaches deep into your nose.
• Repeat the same procedure for the other nostril.
• After spraying, rinse the tip of the spray or clean with a wet cloth.
• Replace the cap after use.

Side Effects of Otrivin nasal drops

Common side effects of otrivin which do not require medical attention are:

1. Dryness of nose and throat
2. Headache
3. Temporary burning
4. Stinging in nose
5. Sneezing
6. Runny nose
7. Nausea

Rare side effects experienced only by a few people:

1. Sleeping problems
2. Bleeding from nose
3. Allergic reactions
4. Blurred vision
5. Irregular heartbeat
6. Chest pain
7. Anxiety and confusion
8. Trembling

Stop using the otrivin nasal spray if you notice any of the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath or difficult breathing
2. Swelling of face and neck

If any of these symptoms worsen, remember to contact your doctor and let him know promptly.

How to manage side effects

1. Headache

Ensure plenty intake of water and take proper rest. Consult your physician to prescribe you a painkiller if the headache is severe.

2. Nausea

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Do not take an antiemetic without consulting your doctor.

Precautions

• Do not let water enter the otrivin spray bottle while cleaning the tip.
• Check the seal is not broken before use. If it is broken, do not use the medication.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Before using the nasal spray in children, consult with your doctor whether it is safe to use or not.
• Do not share this medication with other people as using the same container by two or more people can result in the spread of infection.
• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Do not touch the tip of the spray bottle and avoid touching the dropper tip to any other surface to avoid any risk of contamination.
• Wash your hands before using the otrivin nasal drops.
• Avoid deep breathing to prevent the medication from going into your throat.
• Do not ingest the medication if it comes down into your throat. Instead, spit it out.
• Use the medication according to the doctor’s instructions. Do not increase the dosage or frequency as it can result in aggravation of side effects.
• Avoid standing up or sneezing for a few minutes after you use otrivin drops.
• Do not use otrivin drops after the expiry date and discard the medication properly.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Do not cut the nozzle.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose in one day, especially in children and in old age people. Excessive use of otrivin can damage the ciliated epithelium of the nasal mucosa.

Contraindications for use of otrivin

Always inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the medical conditions listed below:

1. Allergic reactions to the product or any other type of allergies
2. Heart and blood vessel disease: Otrivin acts on the receptors in the heart and causes positive chronotropic and ionotropic effects, i.e., it increases cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and workload.
3. Hyperthyroidism
4. Hypertension
5. Atrophic Rhinitis
6. Pheochromocytoma
7. Prolonged QT Interval: Patients have prolonged QT interval on ECG can be at increased risk for developing ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. So otrivin nasal drops should be used cautiously or not used at all in such types of patients. Consult your doctor so that he/she can prescribe you an alternative to this medication.
8. Diabetes: Otrivin can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Always inform your doctor before starting with this medication.
9. Difficulty in urination due to the enlarged prostate gland: Using otrivin in case of prostatic hyperplasia can worsen the condition. It causes contraction of the smooth muscles in the neck of the bladder via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.
10. Narrow-angle glaucoma: The use of otrivin can worsen narrow-angle glaucoma.
11. If you are undergoing any surgery: Avoid using the otrivin nasal spray or nasal drops if you have undergone trans-nasal surgery or about to undergo surgery.
12. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy: The FDA pregnancy category is not assigned. Animal studies have not been conducted but there can be a potential risk if taken in pregnancy. So always remember to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
    It is generally not advisable to not use otrivin nasal spray in pregnancy due to its systemic vasoconstrictor effects which can be potentially dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
13. In children under 12 years of age: In children younger than 12 years of age, it is not considered safe to use. So otrivin nasal spray or nasal drops should not be used in children.
14. Breastfeeding: There is no clinical evidence of whether this medication passes into the breast milk but always consult your doctor before using the medication)

Interactions of otrivin with other medications

If you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications, inform your doctor beforehand so that he/she can prescribe you accordingly. Do not adjust the dosage or stop any medications by yourself before checking with your doctor.

Otrivin nasal drops may interact with other medications listed below:

1. MAO inhibitors (such as selegiline, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, procarbazine, tranylcypromine): Stop taking MAO inhibitors for two weeks before starting otrivin nasal drops. They can cause fatal drug interactions.
2. Linezolid
3. High blood pressure medications
4. Tricyclic antidepressants(such as amitriptyline)
5. Cough and cold medications
6. Ergot medications (such as ergotamine, ergonovine)
7. Alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin, alfuzosin)
8. Bromocriptine
9. Caffeine
10.  Amphetamines (such as dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)
11.  Fentanyl
12.  Norepinephrine
13.  Theophyllines (such as aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline
14.  Methylphenidate
15.  Cannabis-containing drugs (such as cannabis, dronabinol, nabilone)

If you are taking any of these drugs, your doctor might stop them, prescribe an alternative to the medicine, adjust the dosage or make no changes at all.

When to contact your doctor

Your doctor may prescribe you otrivin nasal drops in the view that their benefits are greater than the risk of side effects. However, inform your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms or if the side effects worsen:

1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Slow, pounding heartbeat
4. Nausea
5. Sleeping problems
6. Tremors/ shaking
7. Sweating
8. Mood changes
9. Allergic reaction; though rare, but it can be alarming. Remember to inform your doctor if you notice any symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, swelling, or redness.

Overdosage

If someone has overdosed on the medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible or the poison control center.

Overdosage means that drug is used much more frequently than your doctor prescribed or it is used in higher doses than recommended.

Symptoms of overdose include:

1. Dizziness
2. Loss of consciousness
3. Slow, pounding heartbeat
4. Drowsiness
5. Impaired breathing
6. Hypertension followed by hypotension
7. Hypothermia (lowered body temperature)
8. Respiratory depression
9. Convulsions
10. Coma

Extended use of otrivin can lead to drug dependence, but it is different from drug addiction. Physical dependence means that when you skip a drug dose, it results in withdrawal symptoms, such as rebound congestion.

Otrivin also has the ability to develop tolerance. Tolerance means that you now require greater and more frequent doses to achieve the desired drug effects.

Other forms of otrivin

1. Otrivin oxy

Otrivin oxy provides faster and long-lasting relief from blocked and stuffy nose. It effectively reduces congestion in the nose in about 25 seconds and works for 12 hours. The active ingredient is oxymetazoline.

It is recommended for adults and children above 12 years of age.

2. Otrivin naturals

Otrivin naturals is made with sterile seawater and sea salt solutions. It gently improves nasal breathing with help of concentrated salt solutions. The concentrated solutions help draw out excess mucus.

3. Otrivin Extra Dual relief nasal spray

This is a combination medication consisting of two products; xylometazoline hydrochloride and ipratropium bromide.

Xylometazoline hydrochloride has a decongesting effect whereas the latter product helps cure the runny nose.

4. Otrivin Breathe Clean

Otrivin breathe clean comprises of isotonic sea salt solutions and natural glycerine. It decongests the nasal area in colds and allergies and washes away all the impurities and germs. Glycerin helps in moisturizing the nose. It can be used in children above 2 years of age.

Frequently asked questions