Otrivin

Xylometazoline hydrochloride.

Otrivin nasal drops/metered-dose nasal spray for adults contain 0.1% of xylometazoline hydrochloride.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: The excipients include sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, disodium edetate, benzalkonium chloride, sorbitol 70%, methylhydroxypropylcellulose 4000mPa-s, sodium chloride and purified water.

Otrivin is used for various types of colds. It is designed to be applied in the nostrils, where it exerts a vasoconstricting effect thereby decongesting the mucosa of the nose and the throat.
This effect allows patients with colds to breathe more easily through the nose. The action of Otrivin is felt within a few minutes and lasts for several hours. Otrivin contains ingredients which help prevent the nasal mucosa from drying out.

Otrivin 0.1% is indicated in adults and in adolescents aged 12 years and above.
Otrivin should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days. If symptoms persist, consult the doctor. Prolonged or excessive use may cause stuffiness in the nose to return or worsen.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage, especially in the elderly.
Do not exceed 3-4 applications (for nasal drops) or 3 applications (for nasal metered-dose spray) daily into each nostril. The last application of the day should preferably be shortly before going to bed.
Nasal drops: See Table 1.

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Nasal metered-dose spray: See Table 2.

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

If patient uses more Otrivin than necessary, he/she should inform the doctor immediately. Poisoning can occur through significant overdose or through accidental ingestion of the medicine.

If the patient has had surgery involving the head, it is up to the doctor to decide whether the patient can use Otrivin. This limitation also applies to all other vasoconstrictive products used in the nose. Otrivin must not be used in the case of very dry or chronically inflamed nasal mucosa (Rhinitis sicca or Rhinitis atrophicans) or in the case of acute (closed-angle) glaucoma. Patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Otrivin must not use this medicinal product.

As with other medicinal products for colds, Otrivin can lead to sleep and vision problems or episodes of dizziness which are evidence of oversensitivity to the product.
Consult a doctor if these effects are very disruptive; cold persists or gets worse; or other problems appear.
Otrivin must be used with care in the case of hypertension, cardio-vascular disease, thyroid hyperactivity, enlarged prostate, phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal glands) or diabetes (Diabetes mellitus).
Otrivin should not be used if the patient is currently taking a MAO inhibitor (a medicine against depression), or has taken one within the last 14 days.
Otrivin should also not be used if the patient is taking certain anti-depressants (tricyclic or tetracyclic anti-depressants).
Otrivin must not be used for more than a week without medical advice because over a longer period of use, rebound congestion of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis medicamentosa) may appear. This would be very similar to the symptoms of cold.
Patient should inform the doctor, pharmacist or chemist if suffering from another medical condition; allergic; already taking or using other medicinal products either internally or externally (even when as self-medication).

Otrivin should not be used during pregnancy. If breast feeding, patient should consult a doctor before using Otrivin.

Stop using Otrivin and seek medical help immediately if one of the following signs is noticed, as it could be an allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of face, lips, tongue and/or throat area; strong itching with red rash and/or elevations on the skin; irregular heartbeat.
Common side effects (in 1 to 10 out of every 100 patients): Nasal dryness and irritation, nausea, headache and local burning sensation.
Very rare side effects (less than 1 out of every 10,000 patients): Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching), temporarily blurred vision, irregular or accelerated heartbeat, drug-related nasal mucosal swelling (Rhinitis medicamentosa).
In case of side effects that are not mentioned in the monograph, patient should tell the doctor or pharmacist.

How to use Otrivin 0.1% metered-dose nasal spray: 1. Do not cut the nozzle. The metered dose spray is ready to prime before use.
2. Gently clear your nose.
3. Remove protective cap.
4. Before using for the first time, prime the pump by actuating 4 times. Once primed, the pump will normally remain charged throughout regular daily treatment periods. If the spray is not ejected during the full actuation stroke e.g. after a break from use, the pump will need to be reprimed with 4 actuations. Be very careful not to spray in the eyes or mouth.
5. Hold bottle upright with thumb under base and nozzle between two fingers.
6. Lean your head forward slightly and insert the nozzle into the nostril. Spray and breathe in gently though the nose at the same time.
7. Sniff gently to allow the medication retaining in the nasal cavity. Caution: do not forcefully breathe in during the spray.
8. Repeat with the other nostril.
9. Clean and dry the nozzle before replacing back the cap right after use.
10. To avoid possible spread of infection, the spray should only be used by one person.

Nasal Decongestants & Other Nasal Preparations

R01AA07 - xylometazoline ; Belongs to the class of topical sympathomimetic agents used as nasal decongestants.

NP