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Cough and cold

Xylometazoline

Also sold as: Otrivin, Otrivine

No prescription neededCough and cold

Comes as:Nose sprayNose drops

Usual adult dose

Cough and cold

Xylometazoline

Also sold as: Otrivin, Otrivine

No prescription neededCough and cold

Comes as:Nose sprayNose drops

Usual adult dose

Usual adult dose (0.1%): 1 spray or 2 to 3 drops in each nostril 2 to 3 times a day. Do not use for more than 7 days — longer use makes the blockage worse. Children use the weaker 0.05% form; ask your pharmacist.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

stinging or dryness of the nose
sneezing
headache

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

fast or irregular heartbeat
blocked nose that gets worse with long use
drowsiness or slow breathing in young children

Do not take it, or take care, if

Children under 2 years (spray under 6 years unless a doctor advises)
Narrow-angle glaucoma
High blood pressure or heart disease (use with caution)
Do not use for more than 7 days

Interactions

No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.

Pregnancy

Not established

Not established. Ask your doctor before using it in pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant.

Generic alternatives

Similar medicines your doctor or pharmacist may offer instead.

Sodium chloride nasal dropsNo prescription needed
Pseudoephedrine

Check with my other medicines

Always follow your doctor or pharmacistThis page is general information, not a prescription. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.