Otrivine Nasal Decongestant

A blocked nose can make breathing uncomfortable, disrupt sleep, and make everyday activities feel more difficult. Otrivine Nasal Decongestant Spray provides targeted congestion relief by acting directly in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and open up the airways. The active ingredient, xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1%, is a well-established nasal decongestant that works within minutes and provides relief for up to 10 hours. Available from pharmacies without a prescription, Otrivine Nasal Spray is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over for short term relief of nasal congestion caused by colds, hay fever, and sinusitis.

Otrivine Nasal Decongestant Spray is a Pharmacy Medicine containing xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1% as the active ingredient. Xylometazoline is a sympathomimetic amine that has been used as a nasal decongestant for many decades. It works locally within the nasal passages rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts, which makes it well suited for targeted nasal congestion relief.

Otrivine is licensed for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, including that caused by common colds and influenza, hay fever and allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. It provides relief from a blocked nose, helping to restore comfortable nasal breathing. The 10ml bottle delivers a metered dose with each pump, making it straightforward to administer the correct amount.

Otrivine Nasal Spray is distinct from Otrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray and Otrivine Congestion Relief Spray for Children. Always check that the product you are purchasing is appropriate for your age group and condition. The adult 0.1% formula is for adults and children aged 12 and over. A lower strength 0.05% formula is available for children aged 2 to 11.

Important: Do not use Otrivine Nasal Spray for more than 7 consecutive days. Using nasal decongestant sprays for longer than recommended can cause rebound congestion, where the nose becomes more blocked than before treatment. If your symptoms persist beyond 7 days, speak to a pharmacist or GP.

Sympathomimetic Nasal Decongestant Action

Xylometazoline hydrochloride works by stimulating alpha adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa, the lining of the nasal passages. This stimulation causes the blood vessels to constrict (narrow), which reduces the blood flow to the swollen nasal tissue. The reduced blood flow decreases the swelling of the nasal lining, widening the nasal passages and allowing air to pass through more freely. This provides relief from the feeling of nasal blockage.

Speed and Duration of Action

Xylometazoline typically begins to work within 2 minutes of application and provides nasal congestion relief for up to 10 hours per dose. This makes it suitable for use during the day and before bedtime to support more comfortable sleep. The effect is localised to the nasal passages and does not require absorption into the systemic circulation to work effectively.

Rebound Congestion: Why the 7-Day Limit Matters

With regular use of any topical nasal decongestant, the nasal blood vessels can become less responsive to the medicine over time. When the medicine wears off, the blood vessels can dilate (widen) beyond their original state, causing the nose to feel more blocked than before treatment. This is called rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa. To prevent this from developing, Otrivine must not be used for more than 7 consecutive days. If you notice your symptoms returning more quickly between doses, this may be an early sign of rebound congestion. Speak to your pharmacist.

Always follow the instructions on the product label. The information below summarises correct use for adults and children aged 12 and over.

Preparation

• Remove the cap from the spray nozzle.
• Before first use, prime the pump by pressing it several times until a fine mist appears.
• Blow your nose gently before using the spray to clear the nasal passages.

Administration

• Hold the bottle upright with your thumb under the base and your index and middle fingers on the shoulders of the bottle.
• Tilt your head slightly forward.
• Insert the nozzle gently into one nostril.
• Press the pump firmly once while breathing in gently through your nose.
• Repeat in the other nostril.
• Breathe out through your mouth after using the spray.
• Replace the cap after use.

Frequency and Duration

• Adults and children aged 12 and over: 1 spray into each nostril, two to three times daily as needed.
• Do not use more than three times in any 24-hour period.
• Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days.
• If symptoms persist after 7 days, stop use and consult a pharmacist or GP.

Otrivine Nasal Decongestant Spray 0.1%

Each bottle contains 10ml of xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1% solution. Each actuation (pump) delivers a metered dose of xylometazoline. The 0.1% strength is for adults and children aged 12 and over. A separate lower strength 0.05% product is available for children aged 2 to 11 years. Do not use the adult 0.1% strength in children under 12.

Otrivine Nasal Spray is well tolerated by most adults and children aged 12 and over when used as directed. Side effects are uncommon at the recommended dose and duration.

Possible Side Effects

• Temporary stinging, burning, or dryness in the nose or throat after using the spray. This is usually mild and short lived.
• Sneezing immediately after use.
• Headache, reported occasionally.
• Rebound congestion with prolonged use beyond 7 days. The nose may feel more blocked than before treatment started. This resolves after stopping the spray.
• Rarely, systemic sympathomimetic effects such as increased heart rate, palpitations, raised blood pressure, or restlessness, particularly at higher than recommended doses or in susceptible individuals.

Seek Medical Advice If You Experience

• Persistent or worsening symptoms after 7 days of use
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
• Severe headache or visual disturbance
• Any symptoms that concern you

Suitable For

• Adults and children aged 12 and over with nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, or sinusitis
• People who need short term relief of a blocked nose, for up to 7 days

Do Not Use If You

• Are under 12 years of age. Use the children's lower strength product instead.
• Have atrophic rhinitis (a condition causing thinning of the nasal lining)
• Have had trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy (an operation through the nose to the pituitary gland) or other surgery that has exposed the dura mater (membrane around the brain)
• Are allergic to xylometazoline hydrochloride or any other ingredient in the spray

Speak to a Pharmacist or GP Before Use If You

• Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have cardiovascular disease or a heart condition
• Have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Have diabetes
• Have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or difficulty urinating
• Have narrow angle glaucoma
• Take MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them within the past 14 days. Combining xylometazoline with MAOIs can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although systemic absorption is low, speak to your pharmacist or GP before using nasal decongestant sprays during pregnancy.

Xylometazoline can interact with MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and other sympathomimetic medicines. If you take any of these medicines, do not use Otrivine without speaking to a pharmacist or GP first. The risk of raised blood pressure is increased when sympathomimetic nasal decongestants are used alongside these medicines.

Otrivine Nasal Decongestant Spray is a Pharmacy Medicine and can be purchased from Pharmacy Planet without a prescription. It can be added to your basket and ordered directly through our website.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All products are genuine, stored correctly, and dispatched by qualified pharmacy professionals. Our pharmacists are available to answer any questions about Otrivine or to help you choose the most appropriate product for your symptoms.

If you are unsure whether Otrivine Nasal Spray is the right product for you, our pharmacy team is happy to advise before you order.

• Store below 25°C.
• Keep the cap on the nozzle when not in use.
• Do not use the spray beyond the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not share the spray with other people. Sharing a nasal spray can spread infection.
• Dispose of the bottle responsibly. Do not flush down the toilet or drain.

Full storage and usage instructions are provided in the patient information leaflet inside the pack.

The table below compares the four nasal sprays in the Over the Counter category. These products work through entirely different mechanisms and are not interchangeable. Choosing the right one depends on whether you need quick decongestant relief, ongoing allergy management, or daily nasal hygiene.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A pharmacist or prescriber will advise which treatment is suitable for you following a consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy offering a range of over the counter and pharmacy medicines for everyday health needs. We stock a range of products for nasal congestion, colds, hay fever, and sinus support, with clear product information to help you choose the right option.

All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains. Our pharmacists are available to advise on product selection, safe use, and when to seek further medical advice. We are committed to honest, clear, patient centred information.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Otrivine Nasal Spray 0.1% — Summary of Product Characteristics. Haleon. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed May 2026.
2. NHS. Blocked nose. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasal-congestion. Accessed May 2026.
3. NHS. Sinusitis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis. Accessed May 2026.
4. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed May 2026.