OTRIVIN 0.1% NASAL SP ORIGINAL 10ML

Indications

Approved Uses

Relief of nasal congestion due to common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Nasal congestion (adults and children ≥12 years for 0.1% products): 1 spray in each nostril up to 3 times daily (every 8-10 hours); do not exceed 3 applications per nostril in 24 hours; limit use to 3-5 days.

Children's Dosage

0.1% formulation: Not recommended for children under 6 years. Children 6-12 years: 1 spray per nostril up to 3 times daily for maximum 3-5 days. Children under 6 years: use 0.05% formulation only.

How to Take

Blow the nose gently. Before first use (or if not used for several days), prime the pump by spraying into the air until a fine mist appears. Hold the bottle upright, keep the head upright (do not tilt back), insert the nozzle into one nostril, spray once while breathing in gently through the nose; repeat for the other nostril. Wipe the nozzle and replace the cap after use; do not share the bottle.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Nasal dryness, irritation/burning or stinging, sneezing; with prolonged or excessive use: rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to xylometazoline/menthol or excipients; atrophic rhinitis (rhinitis sicca); narrow-angle (angle-closure) glaucoma; after trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy or other surgery exposing the dura mater; concomitant use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them.

Warnings & Precautions

Do not use longer than 5-7 days; use with caution in hypertension/cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, pheochromocytoma, and prostatic hypertrophy; avoid eye contact; do not share the bottle to reduce cross-infection risk.

Age Restriction

Not recommended for children under 12 years (0.1% xylometazoline); use 0.05% for younger children per local labeling.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

MAO inhibitors (contraindicated/avoid and for 14 days after stopping); tricyclic antidepressants (may potentiate pressor/cardiac effects); other sympathomimetics (additive cardiovascular effects).

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding

Consult Doctor

Children

0.1% formulation: Not recommended for children under 6 years. Children 6-12 years: 1 spray per nostril up to 3 times daily for maximum 3-5 days. Children under 6 years: use 0.05% formulation only.

Liver Impairment

No adjustment needed

Storage & Patient Advice

Missed Dose

Use when remembered if still needed; if it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses and do not exceed 3 applications per nostril in 24 hours.

Stopping the Medicine

Can be stopped at any time; limit use to a short course (typically ≤5-7 days) to avoid rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa).

Overdose

Overdose/systemic absorption (or accidental ingestion), especially in children, may cause CNS depression (sedation, somnolence, coma), respiratory depression, bradycardia, blood pressure changes (hypertension and/or hypotension), hypothermia; management is urgent medical assessment and supportive monitoring (airway, breathing, circulation).

Patient Counseling

Use 1 spray per nostril up to 3 times daily; do not use longer than 3-5 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion. Prime before first use, keep head upright, and clean the nozzle; do not share. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist beyond 3-5 days or if you have hypertension/heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or are taking MAOIs/TCAs.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Xylometazoline is a direct-acting alpha-adrenergic agonist that vasoconstricts nasal mucosal vessels, reducing edema and congestion; menthol activates cold-sensitive receptors (e.g., TRPM8) producing a cooling sensation that can improve perceived nasal airflow.

Onset of Action

Within 2-10 minutes.

Duration of Effect

Up to 8-10 hours

Half-Life

Not well established/clinically meaningful after recommended intranasal dosing due to minimal systemic absorption; a reliable systemic half-life is not routinely provided for nasal spray use.

Bioavailability

Low systemic bioavailability after intranasal use; effects are primarily local and plasma levels are often very low/undetectable at recommended doses.

Metabolism

If absorbed systemically, metabolism is mainly hepatic (and possibly extrahepatic), with subsequent renal excretion; swallowed fraction may undergo first-pass metabolism.

Excretion

If systemically absorbed, elimination is primarily renal, largely as metabolites in urine.

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Nasal spray, solution

Generic Availability

Yes

OTC Alternatives

Xylometazoline 0.1% nasal spray (other brands/generics), oxymetazoline 0.05% nasal spray, and isotonic saline nasal spray/irrigation; phenylephrine nasal spray is an option but is generally less effective/shorter acting than imidazoline agents.

Symptom Target

Congestion

Sedating

No

Reviewed by Al Mujtama Pharmacy Medical Review Team. Last reviewed 30-05-2026