Otrivin drops are used to treat nasal and sinus congestion in adults and children, and are considered one of the most common treatments in this field. These drops help relieve nasal congestion and get rid of congestion quickly. Otrivin is used temporarily to relieve nasal congestion resulting from various conditions such as colds, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergies. The drug works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area, which reduces swelling and congestion. The scientific name for Otrivin drops is "Xylometazoline". Learn everything about the effectiveness of treating congestion, runny nose, and colds through the Dalili Medical website.

Can Otrivin drops be used during pregnancy?

 

Otrivin Baby drops are considered safe for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women, while Otrivin drops intended for children and adults are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What are the chances of addiction to Otrivin?

 

Most nasal sprays used to relieve nasal allergies contain sedatives, which may lead to addiction. This may be one of the reasons why it causes long-term addiction when used for extended periods without interruption. It is preferable to use Otrivin for no more than 5 days, then use can be resumed after a period of stopping.

**What are the harms of Otrivin drops for adults?**

 

Among the potential harms of using Otrivin drops for adults, especially when overused, swelling and congestion in the nose can occur in addition to damage to internal tissues.

**What is the shelf life of Otrivin?**

 

The drops should not be used after 28 days of opening the package.

**Does Otrivin contain cortisone?**

 

The drops do not contain any type of cortisone.

**How ​​does Otrivin work?**

 

Otrivin nasal spray contains the active ingredient xylometazoline hydrochloride at a concentration of 0.1%. When used, Otrivin works to shrink the blood vessels in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, which leads to reducing blood flow and thus reducing swelling and the feeling of congestion. It also contributes to reducing mucus production, which helps relieve nasal congestion. The effect of the nasal spray begins to appear within a few minutes, and can last for up to 10 hours.

What happens when you use Otrivin for a long time?

 

When using Otrivin drops in the nose, their effect begins quickly, as the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa constrict, which reduces blood flow to that area and leads to a reduction in swelling and runny nose.

However, excessive use of Otrivin drops or similar for a long time can lead to narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels in the nose. This continuous blockage reduces blood flow to the mucosa, paving the way for the swelling to return.

The constant pressure on the blood vessels as a result of repeated use leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of these vessels to the effect of the natural sympathetic nervous system, making them resistant to the effect of adrenaline and its derivatives. This decrease in sensitivity may also lead to the mucosa not responding to synthetic decongestants (such as Otrivin) in the future, which leads the patient to increase the dose and enter a vicious cycle similar to addiction.

Over time, Otrivin turns from a treatment for nasal congestion into a major cause of nasal congestion, which is medically known as "rhinitis medicamentosa" or "rebound congestion".

**Otrivin drops dependence**

When a person is unable to stop using Otrivin drops, this is not considered "addiction" from a medical standpoint, but rather "physical dependence".

Addiction includes withdrawal symptoms and other damages, while physical dependence occurs because the person feels that the symptoms they are suffering from will not improve except by using this treatment, which prompts them to increase the dose as its effect decreases.

To treat Otrivin dependence, it is sufficient to stop using it and replace it with one of the well-known nasal sprays that do not cause the same damage and can be used for years without problems.

**Symptoms of addiction**

Incorrect use of any medication can lead to addiction and clear dependence on the active ingredient in it. Signs that indicate addiction to Otrivin nasal drops include the following:

- Repeated use for more than a week without adhering to the doctor's instructions.

- Congestion returns shortly after using Otrivin drops.

- Daily reliance on drops to breathe normally.

- Feeling the drops ineffective and not affecting the severity of congestion.

- Severe congestion when you stop using them or skip the dose.

- Symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat.

- Difficulty breathing.

- Feeling a headache.

- Pressure on the sinuses.

What are the ingredients of Otrivin nasal drops?

 

Otrivin drops contain the active ingredient xylometazoline hydrochloride at a concentration of 0.1%, which belongs to a class of drugs known as decongestants. This ingredient helps relieve nasal congestion within a few minutes, and its effect lasts for several hours.

What are the types of Otrivin drops?

 

- Otrivin Baby Saline

- Otrivin drops for adults at a concentration of 1%

- Otrivin drops for children at a concentration of 0.05%

The company that produces Otrivin

Otrivin is produced by Novartis.

**Otrivin Nasal Drops Specifications**

**Pharmaceutical form:** Nasal drops and spray.

**Active substance:** Xylometazoline, which belongs to the class of nasal decongestants.

**Mechanism of action of Otrivin Nasal Drops:**

Otrivin Nasal Drops work effectively on the sympathetic nervous system. Xylometazoline affects alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa, which leads to narrowing of blood vessels. This in turn reduces blood flow and relievesNasal congestion.

**Otrivin dosage for adults:**

**Nasal spray:**

The recommended dosage for adults is one or two sprays in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. It is best to tilt the head slightly forward while using the spray and breathe deeply.

**Metered dose pump**

The usual recommended dosage for adults is one spray in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. It is best to tilt the head slightly forward while using the pump. Before the first use, the pump should be primed by spraying several times into the air until a fine mist appears.

**Nasal drops**

The usual recommended dosage for adults is 2 or 3 drops in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. It is best to tilt the head back while using the drops.

**How ​​to use Otrivin:**

 

1. Start by washing your hands thoroughly to avoid any contamination.

2. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper or allowing it to come into contact with the nasal area.

3. Tilt your head while sitting or lying on your back.

4. Hold the dropper over your nostril and apply the number of drops according to the dose prescribed by your doctor.

5. Repeat these steps for the other nostril.

6. Then, keep your head tilted for several minutes.

7. If the medicine reaches your throat, do not swallow it.

8. The medicine provides temporary relief, so it should not be used for longer than recommended by your doctor, as this may increase the likelihood of side effects.

9. Xylometazoline (Otrivin) is usually used 2 to 3 times a day (every 8 to 12 hours).

10. Otrivin nasal drops should not be used for more than 3 to 5 days.

**How ​​effective is Otrivin nasal drops**

 

Xylometazoline starts working within 5 to 10 minutes, constricting the blood vessels in the lining of the nose, which helps relieve symptoms of congestion.

**Advantages of using Otrivin drops**

It helps relieve congestion within two minutes, and provides relief that lasts up to 12 hours. Otrivin also helps clean the sinuses and remove mucus from them, which reduces painful pressure on them.

Otrivin nasal spray contains the active ingredient xylometazoline hydrochloride, which helps relieve nasal congestion by reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes.

What are the possible side effects of Otrivin for treating colds?

 

This medicine can cause some side effects, including:

- Difficulty sleeping

- Feeling nauseous

- Headache

- Sneezing or burning sensation in the nose

- Irritation or dryness in the nasal area

- Unusual behavior or hallucinations

- Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or face

- Closure of the throat and difficulty breathing

- Itching and skin rash

"It is preferable not to use it for long periods, as this may lead to rebound nasal congestion, a condition that occurs as a result of the continuous use of decongestants."

Otrivin spray forms:

- Otrivin Allergy and Cold Relief Nasal Spray 0.05%.

- Otrivin Antihistamine Nasal Spray 0.1%.

- Otrivin Allergy and Cold Relief Nasal Spray with Moisturizers 0.1%.

- Otrivin nasal drops for cold and allergy decongestant 0.1%.

- Otrivin integrated nasal spray 0.1%.

What are the contraindications for using Otrivin nasal spray for sinuses?

 

- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the drug.

- Those who have thyroid disorders.

- Individuals with arteriosclerosis.

- High eye pressure.

- Kidney problems.

- Heart patients.

- Diabetics.

Warnings and precautions when using Otrivin for dry nose:

- You should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications or suffer from any health conditions.

- It is recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using the drug in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

- It is prohibited for use by those who suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma.

- It is prohibited for use by those under 12 years of age except under medical supervision.

- If you are allergic to xylometazoline or any other ingredients.

- It is contraindicated in cases of dry rhinitis, which is characterized by little or no nasal discharge.

Rewording the text:

People who are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine should avoid using Otrivin in the following cases:

- If you suffer from dizziness or vertigo.

- If you feel weak or shaky.

- If you have sleep disturbances.

- If you suffer from irregular heartbeat.

- If you are allergic to other medications such as adrenaline or pseudoephedrine.

As for the use of Otrivin during pregnancy, it is not recommended to use it unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Therefore, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

As for breastfeeding, it is not known whether xylometazoline passes into breast milk. Therefore, it is preferable to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding your child.

Natural alternatives to use Otrivin spray

There are many natural alternatives that can be used at home as an alternative to Otrivin spray for children, including:

**Air humidifier**

Humidifying the air helps reduce congestion and contributes to improving the breathing process.

**Warm water vapor**

Inhaling warm water vapor enhances a person's ability to breathe and reduces congestion.

**Salt water spray**

Using a pump dedicated to the salt water solution contributes to moisturizing the nasal passages and enhances ease of breathing.

**The most important tips when using Otrivin**

1. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to the inside of the nose.

2. Do not cut the nozzle of the spray, as it is designed to be used as is.

3. It is preferable not to use the drops for more than 7 consecutive daysMechanism.

4. It is recommended not to share the spray with anyone else to avoid infection.

5. The number of times the drops should be used should not exceed 2-3 times a day, with an interval of 8-10 hours between each use.

6. Before using for the first time, fill the pump by releasing a spray into the air.

7. The spray pump is ready for immediate use the next time, and avoid contact of the spray with the eyes or mouth.

8. It is preferable not to use the drops or spray for more than 3-5 days to avoid damage to the nasal tissues, which may lead to chronic congestion.

9. Do not use this medicine for more than 3-5 days, as it may cause damage to the nasal tissues and lead to chronic nasal congestion.

**Conditions for storing and preserving Otrivin**

 

Otrivin drops should be stored in a place away from heat and humidity.

Otrivin drops should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Otrivin drops are stored at room temperature, between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.

**Drug interactions and interactions for Otrivin drops**

You should inform your doctor or pharmacist before using Otrivin if you are taking any of the following medications:

- Antidepressants.

- Antihypertensive medications.

- Medicines that raise blood pressure, such as cough suppressants or cold medicines.