hypotonic saline intranasal

Hypotonic saline intranasal is a mild salt solution used to relieve nasal dryness and irritation caused by air dryness, winter dryness, travel, allergies, cold and flu, stuffy nose, chronic sinusitis, nose bleeds, oxygen therapy and use of continuous positive airway pressure/bi-level positive airway pressure (CPAP/BiPAP) machines. Hypotonic saline solution moisturizes the nasal cavity and softens and dissolves thick, crusty mucus, making it easier to remove. hypotonic saline intranasal is available over the counter (OTC) as a mist spray or a gel.

Hypotonic intranasal saline solution contains sodium chloride and potassium chloride salts that moisturize the nasal passage, and propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, wetting agents that help even distribution of the saline solution. Hypotonic intranasal solution has a pH of 6.2 which is the same as the pH of the nasal cavity as well as the pH of corticosteroid sprays, hence, it does not interfere with corticosteroid absorption or irritate the nasal passage.

Warnings

• Do not use hypotonic saline intranasal if you are hypersensitive to any component of the solution.
• Do not share your nasal spray dispenser or nasal gel tube with others, it can spread infection.

Hypotonic saline intranasal has no known side effects. It may cause mild stinging if the nose is very dry and irritated.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Intranasal gel

• Sodium chloride 0.22%
• Potassium chloride 0.17%
• Propylene glycol 15%
• Polyethylene glycol 20%

Intranasal mist

• Sodium chloride 0.22%
• Potassium chloride 0.17%
• Propylene glycol 5%
• Polyethylene glycol 15%

Adult and Pediatric

Nasal Dryness

• Relieves dryness and irritation to and around the nose (nasal passages) caused by: dry room air, allergies, low humidity, chronic sinusitis, nose bleeds, stuffy nose, cold/flu, winter dryness, CPAP / BiPAP, travel, or oxygen therapy
• Adds moisture inside the nose to dissolve and soften thick, crusty mucus, making it easier to remove

Children below 2 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

Children 2 years and above and adults

• Mist: 1-2 sprays in each nostril q4hr or PRN
• Gel: Apply gel around nostrils and under nose as often as needed; may be placed in nostrils to help relieve discomfort

Overdose

• There are no reports of overdose of hypotonic saline intranasal. Intranasal use or accidental ingestion of hypotonic saline is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Hypotonic saline intranasal has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There is no known risk from using hypotonic saline intranasal by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Check with your healthcare provider before using any OTC product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use hypotonic saline intranasal exactly as directed.
• Hypotonic saline intranasal is for external use only, do not ingest.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Store hypotonic saline intranasal out of reach of children.