Otrivine Allergy Relief is a decongestant nasal spray containing xylometazoline hydrochloride (赛洛唑啉) 0.1%, used for short-term relief of a blocked, stuffy nose caused by colds, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis (including hay fever) in adults and children aged 12 and over, supplied by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Xylometazoline hydrochloride (赛洛唑啉) 0.1% |
|---|---|
| Type | Decongestant nasal spray — short-term only, not a long-term hay fever control |
| Format | Metered nasal spray |
| Pack | 10ml |
| Relieves | A blocked or stuffy nose from colds, sinusitis or allergic rhinitis |
| Age | Adults and children aged 12 years and over |
| Dose | One spray in each nostril, 1 to 3 times a day; do not use for more than 7 days |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Adults and children aged 12 and over with a blocked nose from a cold or sinusitis
- People with hay fever whose main problem is short-term nasal congestion
- People who want fast unblocking of the nose for a few days only
Not suitable for: children under 12; anyone sensitive to any ingredient. Speak to your pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or glaucoma, or take antidepressants. It is not intended for long-term, daily hay fever control — a steroid spray or antihistamine is more suitable for that.
How to use
- Read the enclosed leaflet carefully before you start.
- Adults and children aged 12 and over: one spray into each nostril, 1 to 3 times a day as needed.
- Do not exceed 3 doses in each nostril per day.
- Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days, to avoid rebound congestion.
- Use one bottle for one person only, and discard 28 days after first opening.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Otrivine every day?
No. Otrivine should be used for short-term relief only and not for more than 7 days in a row. Using a decongestant spray for longer can cause rebound congestion, where the nose becomes more blocked when you stop.
How quickly does Otrivine work?
Xylometazoline acts quickly, often helping to clear the nose within a few minutes, with the effect lasting for up to several hours.
Is Otrivine good for hay fever?
It can relieve nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis for a few days, but it is not a long-term hay fever treatment. For ongoing hay fever, a steroid nasal spray or an antihistamine is more appropriate — ask your pharmacist.
What happens if I use Otrivine for too long?
Using a decongestant spray beyond 7 days can lead to rebound congestion, sometimes called rhinitis medicamentosa, where the nose becomes blocked again and you feel you need to keep using it. Speak to your pharmacist if this happens.
Can children use Otrivine Allergy 0.1%?
This 0.1% strength is for adults and children aged 12 and over. It is not suitable for younger children — ask your pharmacist about a children’s option.
Safety and storage
- Always read the enclosed leaflet before use, as manufacturers update it regularly.
- Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days, and do not exceed the stated dose.
- Speak to your pharmacist before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes or glaucoma, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Use one bottle for one person only to prevent cross-infection, and discard 28 days after first opening.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date.
References
- NHS — Hay fever
- NHS — Xylometazoline nasal spray
- Otrivine (xylometazoline) Patient Information Leaflet via emc
This page provides factual information about an over-the-counter decongestant medicine. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. Do not use for more than 7 days. If you are unsure whether Otrivine is right for you, or your symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist. Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
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