Uses

What is Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride) used for?

Otrivin® is commonly used for temporarily treating nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, other upper respiratory tract allergies, or sinus infection. It also soothes nasal discomfort caused by dryness.

How should I take Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Gently blow your nose before using this drug.
Sit down and tilt your head back slightly.
Place the spray tip into the nose or apply the directed number of drops.
Using a finger from your other hand, press against the opposite nostril to close it off.
Breathe gently through the open nostril and squeeze the spray container.

How do I store Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Otrivin® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Otrivin® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Otrivin® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Otrivin® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
You have allergy with Otrivin® or other medications.
You have a history of high blood pressure, enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, diabetes, have narrow-angle glaucoma, overactive thyroid, or heart disease.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Otrivin® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Otrivin®. This medication is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

A=No risk;
B=No risk in some studies;
C=There may be some risk;
D=Positive evidence of risk;
X=Contraindicated;
N=Unknown.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Otrivin® may cause these side effects, such as:

Temporary burning, stinging, dryness in the nose, runny nose, and sneezing.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
Chest pain;
Fast or irregular heartbeat;
Nervousness;
Severe or persistent headache;
Tremor.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Otrivin® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Otrivin®. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication.
Do not taking Otrivin® with other decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine).
Do not taking Otrivin® with sympathomimetic medications (e.g. formoterol, methylphenidate, appetite suppressants).
Do not taking Otrivin® with tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline).

Does food or alcohol interact with Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Otrivin® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride)?

Otrivin® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, such as:

Heart/blood vessel disease;
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
Diabetes;
High blood pressure;
Difficulty urinating (due to enlarged prostate).

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.

What is the dose of Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride) for an adult?

Nasal spray:

The usual recommended dose for adults is one or two sprays in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted slightly forward while using the spray. Breathe deeply.

Measured dose pump:

The usual recommended dose for adults is one spray in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted slightly forward while using the pump. Before using the pump for the first time, prime it by spraying several times into the air until a fine mist is seen.

Nasal drops:

The usual recommended dose for adults is 2 or 3 drops in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted back while using the drops.

What is the dose of Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride) for a child?

Children up to 6 years of age:

Intranasal, 1 drop or spray of a 0.05% solution into each nostril every eight to ten hours as needed.

Children 6 to 12 years of age:

Intranasal, 2 or 3 drops or sprays of a 0.05% solution into each nostril every eight to ten hours as needed.

How is Otrivin® (Xylometazoline Hydrochloride) available?

Otrivin® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Otrivin® Cold and Allergy Decongestant Nasal Spray 0.05%.
Otrivin® Cold and Allergy Decongestant Nasal Spray 0.1%.
Otrivin® Cold and Allergy Decongestant Nasal Spray with Moisturizers 0.1%.
Otrivin® Cold and Allergy Decongestant Nose Drops 0.1%.
Otrivin® Complete Nasal Spray Care 0.1%.

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services (115) or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Otrivin®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.