Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops

Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops are used to provide short-term relief from a blocked nose caused by the common cold, hay fever, other allergies or sinusitis. They contain xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1%, a decongestant that works by narrowing swollen blood vessels inside the nose, helping to open the nasal passages and make breathing easier.

Otrivine can start working within minutes, with relief lasting for up to 10 hours. It is intended for short-term use only and should not be used for more than five consecutive days.

No, Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops are not a steroid. They contain xylometazoline hydrochloride, a decongestant that reduces swelling inside the nose by narrowing blood vessels, providing relatively rapid relief from nasal congestion. Steroid nasal sprays, such as those containing fluticasone or beclometasone, work differently by reducing inflammation and are often used to manage allergic rhinitis over time.

Using Otrivine Adult Nasal Drops every day for longer than recommended can cause rebound congestion, where your nose becomes blocked again or feels even more congested as the medicine wears off. Repeated use may also reduce how well the drops work and, in more serious cases, cause longer-lasting changes to the lining of the nose.

Otrivine contains xylometazoline and should not be used for more than five consecutive days. If you have been using it regularly and struggle to stop, speak to a pharmacist or GP about suitable alternatives.