Xylometazoline hydrochloride

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

Adults and elderly: One application in each nostril 1 to 3 times daily.

Not suitable for children under 12 years.

Route of administration: Application to the nasal passages.

Known hypersensitivity to xylometazoline.

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

Patients are advised not to take decongestants for more than seven consecutive days. 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 etc.

Caution is recommended in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, narrow angle glaucoma or diabetes mellitus.

Label warnings and precautions

- Do not exceed the stated dose

- Do not use continuously for more than seven consecutive days. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor

- If you are pregnant or taking other medicines or are under a doctor's care, consult your doctor before using Otrivine

- Not to be used for infants or children under 12 years

- Each Otrivine pack should be used by one person only to prevent any cross infection

- For reasons of hygiene do not use this bottle for more than 28 days after first opening it

- Keep medicines out of the reach of children

Additional leaflet warnings and precautions

- Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients of Otrivine

- Do not use if you have had recent neurosurgery

- Consult your doctor before using Otrivine if you have heart or circulatory disease

- Some patients who have sensitive nasal passages may feel some local discomfort when applying the product.

- Other side effects such as palpitations, nausea and headache are very rare

None.

The following side effects have occasionally been encountered: A burning sensation in the nose and throat, local irritation, nausea, headache and dryness of the nasal mucosa.

Systemic cardiovascular effects have occurred, and this should be kept in mind when giving Otrivine to people with cardiovascular disease.

In isolated cases, systemic allergic reactions and transient visual disturbances.

In rare instances of accidental poisoning in children, the clinical picture has been marked chiefly by signs such as acceleration and irregularity of the pulse, elevated blood pressure and sometimes consciousness clouding.

There is no specific treatment. Appropriate supportive measures should be initiated.

Otrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray is a sympathomimetic agent with marked alpha-adrenergic activity, and is intended for use in the nose. It constricts the nasal blood vessels, thereby decongesting the mucosa of the nose and neighbouring regions of the pharynx. This enables patients suffering from colds to breathe more easily through the nose. The effect of Otrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray begins within a few minutes and lasts for up to 10 hours. Otrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray is generally well tolerated and does not impair the function of ciliated epithelium.

In a double-blind, saline solution (Otrisal) controlled study in patients with common cold, the decongestant effect of Otrivin was significantly superior (p<0.0001) to Otrisal saline solution based on rhinomanometry measurement at 1 hour after administration of the study drugs.

Systemic absorption may occur following nasal application of xylometazoline hydrochloride solutions. It is not used systemically.

Not applicable.

None

Medicines should be kept out of the reach of children.