Otrivin nasal is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the body. The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in the nasal tissues. Constriction of the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses leads to a decrease in congestion.
Otrivin nasal is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold.
How to use this product
To apply the nasal spray, keep your head upright, then spray and inhale sharply through the nose simultaneously.
To apply the nasal drops, lie on a bed on your back with your head hanging over the edge. Insert the drops and remain in this position for several minutes. Gently turn your head from side to side.
Do not allow the tip of the container to touch the inside of the nose, or any other surface.
To prevent the spread of infection, do not share this medication with others.
Discard this medication bottle after use. Do not save it for reuse. Do not use this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too much Otrivin nasal could be harmful. Otrivin nasal should not be used more often than two to three times a day (every 8 to 10 hours).
Do not use Otrivin nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause damage to the nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.
Store Otrivin nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from this medication, stop using Otrivin nasal and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- seizures;
- unusual behavior or hallucinations; or
- an irregular or fast heartbeat.
- More commonly, you may experience some sneezing or nasal burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Do not use Otrivin nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. This could cause a dangerous drug interaction with serious side effects.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- high blood pressure,
- heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or irregular heart beats;
- thyroid problems;
- diabetes;
- glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
- an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
You may not be able to use xylometazoline nasal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether Otrivin nasal will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Otrivin nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Otrivin nasal could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Do not use Otrivin nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
If you use any anti depressants, please advise your physician before taking Otrivin.
