Otrivin – the way the drug works. How to use it and how much does it cost?

Proven content

Otrivin is available as drops or a nasal spray. It can be used in the case of a runny nose due to colds, flu or allergies. What is the composition of the preparation? Can everyone use it? We check how much it costs and how to store Otrivin.

Otrivin – action

The action of Otrivin is based on the properties of the active substance, xylometazoline. It is one of the sympathomimetic drugs affecting alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa.

Direct intake of the preparation reduces its congestion due to the narrowing of the blood vessels in the nose and upper throat. In addition, it facilitates the drainage of secretions accumulated in the nose. This allows the patient to breathe freely.

Otrivin – forms and composition of the drug

Otrivin is available on the pharmaceutical market in two forms: Otrivin nasal drops 0,05% (for children) and Otrivin 0,1% nasal spray (for adolescents and adults). In both forms, apart from the active substance – xylometazoline – the composition also includes auxiliary substances, which include:

1. Benzalkonium chloride, 
2. Disodu edetynian, 
3. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, 
4. Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, 
5. Sodium chloride, 
6. Sorbitol 70 proc., 
7. Hypromeloza 4000, 
8. Purified Water. 

Otrivin – indications for use

The main indication for the use of Otrivin is nasal congestion occurring during:

1. Colds,  
2. Flu 
3. Hay fever, 
4. Allergic rhinitis, 
5. Sinusitis 
6. Otitis media. 

Otrivin – how to use nasal drops?

Otrivin 0,05% nasal drops are intended for children from 2 to 11 years of age. Only adults should instill the drug. Children from 2 to 5 years old should apply 1-2 drops into each nostril maximum twice a day. Children between 6 and 11 years of age can take 2-4 drops in each nostril up to three times a day.

Before using the drops, the nose should be thoroughly cleaned, and then tilt the child’s head upwards. In this position, drops should be dropped into the nose. This allows the fluid to spread throughout the nasal cavity.

Otrivin – what is the dosage of the aerosol?

Otrivin 0,1% nasal spray should be used according to the doctor’s recommendations or the information available on the product leaflet. Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age can use one spray in each nostril up to three times a day.

When using the Otrivin spray, be careful not to get the liquid into the eyes while spraying. After taking it out of the package, the preparation is ready for use – you do not need to cut the tip of the applicator.

Before the first use, the pump must be pressed several times. To apply the preparation, tilt the head forward and place the tip in the nose. Hold the applicator between two fingers and press it gently. At the same time, it is worth holding the air so that the spray does not go beyond the nose. The same process is repeated in the other nostril and then the protective cap is placed over the bottle.

Otrivin – is there a risk of overdose?

When using Otrivin, an overdose of xylometazoline hydrochloride is possible if the patient has used the nasal preparation too often or accidentally entered the mouth.

Overdose is characterized by severe dizziness, sweating, low body temperature, headache and bradycardia. These effects are more common in children than in adults. A person who has overdosed on xylometazoline should be treated with symptomatic treatment.

Otrivin – contraindications to use

The main contraindication to the use of Otrivin is hypersensitivity to xylometazoline hydrochloride or the excipient contained in the preparation. Moreover, the drops and aerosol cannot be administered by people who have undergone surgical procedures conducted through the nasal route (e.g. with transsphenoidal pituitary removal). Otrivin cannot be taken also by patients who have:

1. Narrow-angle glaucoma, 
2. Drying rhinitis, 
3. Atrophic rhinitis. 

Otrivin – recommended precautions

Particular caution should be exercised when administering Otrivin to people who are hypersensitive to adrenomitic substances, which is manifested by insomnia, dizziness, increased blood pressure or tremors. In addition, Otrivin is used with caution in patients with:

1. Arterial hypertension, 
2. Cardiovascular diseases, 
3. Hyperthyroidism, 
4. Diabetes, 
5. Pheochromocytoma, 
6. An enlarged prostate gland. 

It should be remembered that Otrivin cannot be used for more than 5-7 days. The benzalkonium chloride contained in the drug may irritate the nasal mucosa. Taking the drug according to the doctor’s recommendations or the information contained in the leaflet does not affect driving or operating machinery.

Otrivin – interactions with other drugs

The xylometazoline hydrochloride in Otrivin may interact with other medications taken by patients. For this reason, you need to be sharp, especially when taking Otrivin at the same time and:

1. Inhibiitory monoaminooksydazy (IMAO) – xylometazoline may increase the effect of the drug and thus contribute to a hypertensive crisis. Therefore, drugs from both groups should not be used together, there should be an interval of two weeks between taking these types of preparations, 
2. Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants – combining them with xylometazoline may lead to an increase in the sympatocomimetic effect of xylometazoline. 

Otrivin – can it be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

A doctor should be consulted before taking any drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This also applies to Otrivin 0,05% eye drops and 0,1% aerosol.

Caution should be exercised during pregnancy as the dosage of the preparation may lead to systemic vasoconstriction. Women during lactation are not recommended to take Otrivin, since no detailed studies have been conducted on the penetration of xylometazoline into breast milk.

Otrivin – side effects

Side effects while using Otrivin may include:

1. Nervous system disorders (headache), 
2. Disorders of the stomach and intestines (nausea) 
3. General disorders and conditions at the injection site (burning sensation during use), 
4. Respiratory disorders (nasal dryness, nasal discomfort). 

Very rarely, visual disturbances or irregular heartbeat may occur.

Otrivin – how to store the drug?

Otrivin (regardless of the chosen form of the drug) should be stored in a room with a maximum of 25 degrees C. It should be a place invisible and inaccessible to children. After the expiry date, the preparation should not be used.

Otrivin – what is the price of the drug?

Otrivin is available over the counter. The drug can be purchased at a pharmacy or through the website. Otrivin 0,1% aerosol costs about 14 zlotys, while Otrivin 0,05% nasal drops – about 13 zlotys.

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