Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

← Back to all medicines

Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Xylometazoline hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Xylometazoline hydrochloride

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

FOR Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops are for application in the nose to give relief from:

  • nasal congestion (blocked nose, including colds)
  • perennial and allergic rhinitis (recurring inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, including hay fever)
  • sinusitis. Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops contain the active ingredient xylometazoline hydrochloride which helps to open up and clear the nasal passages by reducing the excessive nasal secretions and returning the swollen blood vessels to their normal size.

2. BEFORE YOU USE OTRIVINE ADULT NASAL DROPS DO NOT use the drops if you:

  • are allergic to xylometazoline hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in the drops (see Section 6)

V2

09 – Mar – 2023

D2A

Non Production

Production

AWP No:

X TR2767483/B

Site Component No:

Nyon

62000000203002

Approving Market:

1.

Black

20%

Total Special Finishes: 0

How to take it

OTRIVINE ADULT NASAL DROPS Dosage: For Adults and Children over 12 years of age: 2 to 3 drops in each nostril up to 3 times daily. Do not exceed 3 applications daily into each nostril. 62000000203002

Site Change Control No: 201227617

OTRIVINE OTRIVINE

Leaflet

Technical Drawing No:

Material Spec No:

N-PN-P08 v2.1

P08

Print Process:

Pharma Code No:

Offset – Lithography

474

Barcode No:

Bar Width Reduction:

N/A

N/A

Formulation Code

Body Text Size: 8.8pt Leading: 9.2pt Horizontal Scale: 100% Smallest Text Size: 8.8pt

Micro Text: No

Studio Location: Europe

treatment

Like other products for relief of blocked nose, Otrivine may give rise to sleep disturbances, dizziness, tremor in very sensitive patients. Consult your doctor if such signs prove to be troublesome. Do not take decongestants for more than 7 days in a row. Prolonged or excessive use may cause stuffiness in the nose to return or worsen. Using other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are taking or have recently taken any medicines (especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors or other antidepressants) including those obtained without a prescription. Pregnancy or breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor before using Otrivine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines Otrivine has no effect on the ability to drive and use machines. Important information about some of the ingredients Otrivine contains benzalkonium chloride which may cause nasal irritation.

Product Market Trade Name: Component Type:

N/A

AIP_CHAMPS_2022_HALEON_Version 1

Take special care Before using the drops tell your doctor if you:

  • have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
  • have diabetes mellitus
  • have heart or circulatory disease (e.g. long QT syndrome)
  • are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • have hypertension
  • are taking tri and tetra-cyclic antidepressant

CHAMPS No: 0000014938

Manufacturing Site:

Great Britain 50%

Do not use these drops for children under 12 years old.

Artwork Information Panel

Total Number of Colours including Varnish & Foils: 1

70%

  • are allergic to other decongestants
  • have had recent neurosurgery.
  • have narrow angle glaucoma
  • have chronic nasal inflammation with very dry nasal passages (rhinitis sicca or atrophic rhinitis)
  • have an enlarged prostate gland
  • have a rare tumour of the adrenal gland that produces high amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline (phaeochromocytoma)
  • are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) or have stopped taking them in the last 14 days.

BARCODE INFO Barcode Type Barcode Number: Magnification: BWR:

Pharmacode Standard 474 100 0 Micrometre

BARCODE INFO Barcode Type Barcode Number: Magnification: BWR:

Pharmacode Standard 474 100 0 Micrometre

Verso Recto 62000000123456

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Administration: 1. Clear your nose. 2. Lean head back as far as is comfortable (see diagram). 3. Apply the drops into each nostril and keep head back for a short time. 4. Clean and dry the dropper before replacing it back. To avoid possible spread of infection, this pack should only be used by one person. For reasons of hygiene do not use this bottle for more than 28 days after opening it. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, especially in children and elderly. If you use more Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops than you should, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop using Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops and seek medical help immediately if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions, which may include difficult breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat, severe itching of the skin, with a red rash or raised bumps. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
  • Headache
  • Dryness of the nasal membranes
  • Nasal discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Local irritation after applying the drops Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
  • Nosebleeds Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
  • Blurred vision
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat

How to store it

OTRIVINE ADULT NASAL DROPS Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle after "Expiry". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Protect from heat. Do not use this bottle for more than 28 days after opening it. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops contain The active ingredient is xylometazoline hydrochloride (0.1% w/v). The other ingredients are sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, sodium acid phosphate, disodium edetate, benzalkonium chloride, sorbitol, hypromellose and water. What Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops look like and the contents of the pack Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops are a clear, colourless aqueous solution packed in 10ml bottles. Marketing authorisation holder Haleon UK Trading Limited, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, U.K. Manufacturer

Haleon UK Trading Services Limited, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, U.K.

This leaflet was last revised in February 2024. Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies.

Other side effects include:

  • A burning sensation in the nose and throat 62000000203002

V2

09 – Mar – 2023

D2A

Artwork Information Panel Non Production

Total Number of Colours including Varnish & Foils: 1

Production

AWP No:

X TR2767483/B Manufacturing Site:

Site Component No:

Nyon

62000000203002

Approving Market: Great Britain 70%

1.

50%

Black

20%

Total Special Finishes: 0

OTRIVINE OTRIVINE

Leaflet

Technical Drawing No:

Material Spec No:

N-PN-P08 v2.1

P08

Print Process:

Pharma Code No:

Offset – Lithography

474

Barcode No:

Bar Width Reduction:

N/A

N/A

Formulation Code

Body Text Size: 8.8pt Leading: 9.2pt Horizontal Scale: 100% Smallest Text Size: 8.8pt

Micro Text: No

Studio Location: Europe

Site Change Control No: 201227617

Product Market Trade Name: Component Type:

N/A

AIP_CHAMPS_2022_HALEON_Version 1

CHAMPS No: 0000014938

BARCODE INFO Barcode Type Barcode Number: Magnification: BWR:

Pharmacode Standard 474 100 0 Micrometre

BARCODE INFO Barcode Type Barcode Number: Magnification: BWR:

Pharmacode Standard 474 100 0 Micrometre

Frequently asked questions about Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops

How do I take Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops?

Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops comes as nasal spray. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops?

The active substance in Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops is xylometazoline hydrochloride.

Are there equivalent medicines to Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Otrivine Allergy Relief 0.1% Nasal Spray with Khone Spray, Otrivine Blocked Nose Relief, 0.1% w/v Nasal Spray, Solution, Otrivine Child Nasal Drops. In total there are 6 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Xylometazoline hydrochloride (11 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, perennial and allergic rhinitis (including hay fever), sinusitis.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Adults and elderly (all indications): 2 or 3 drops in each nostril up to 3 times daily. Do not exceed 3 applications daily into each nostril.

The drops are suitable for children over 12 years of age. The recommended dose should not be exceeded, especially in children and the elderly.

Route of administration: Nasal use.

4.3. Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to Otrivine

Patients with trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy or surgery exposing the dura mater

Narrow-angle glaucoma

Rhinitis sicca or atrophic rhinitis.

Otrivine 0.1% is contraindicated in children aged less than 12 years

People with phaeochromocytoma or prostatic hypertrophy or receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) treatment or who have received them in the last two weeks.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Patients are advised not to take decongestants for more than seven consecutive days. Prolonged or excessive use may cause rebound congestion and/or atrophy of the nasal mucosa.

Otrivine, like other preparations belonging to the same class of active substances, should be used only with caution in patients showing a strong reaction to sympathomimetic agents as evidenced by signs of insomnia, dizziness, tremor, cardiac arrhythmias or elevated blood pressure.

Caution is recommended in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus or tri and tetra-cyclic antidepressant treatment (see Interactions).

Patients with long QT syndrome treated with xylometazoline may be at increased risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias.

Keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children

Information concerning excipients

Otrivine contains benzalkonium chloride. This may cause irritation of the nasal mucosa.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The concomitant use of xylometazoline with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or tri- and tetra-cyclic antidepressants, may cause an increase in blood pressure due to the cardiovascular effects of these substances (see Contraindications).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

No foetal toxicity or fertility studies have been carried out in animals. In view of its potential systemic vasoconstrictor effect, it is advisable to take the precaution of not using Otrivine during pregnancy.

No evidence of any adverse effect on the breast-fed infant. However, it is not known if xylometazoline is excreted in breast milk, therefore caution should be exercised and Otrivine should be used only on the advice of a doctor whilst breastfeeding.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Otrivine has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The adverse effects listed below are classified by system organ class and frequency according to the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000) or very rare (<1/10,000).

MeDRA SOC

Adverse reaction

Frequency

Immune System Disorders

Hypersensitivity reaction (angioedema, rash, pruritus)

Very rare

Nervous System Disorders

Headache

Common

Eye Disorders

Transient visual impairment

Very rare

Cardiac Disorders

Heart rate irregular

Heart rate increased

Very rare

Very rare

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Nasal Dryness

Nasal Discomfort

Epistaxis

Common

Common

Uncommon

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Common

General disorders and administration site

Application site burning

Common

Other side effects include:

• A burning sensation in the nose and throat

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms and signs

Excessive administration of topical xylometazoline hydrochloride or accidental ingestion may cause severe dizziness, perspiration, severely lowered body temperature, headache, bradycardia, hypertension, respiratory depression, coma and convulsions. Hypertension may be followed by hypotension. Small children are more sensitive to toxicity than adults.

Treatment

Appropriate supportive measures should be initiated in all individuals suspected of an overdose, and urgent symptomatic treatment under medical supervision is indicated when warranted. This would include observation of the individual for several hours.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Pharmacies in major towns and cities — see the list
Pharmacies by county and region — see the full list

Browse all 2,009 towns and cities →