sodium chloride non-prescription
Sodium chloride nasal spray is a saline spray for the nose. It's used as a moisturizer to clear breathing and treat dry, irritated nasal passages. It can also be used to flush dirt or allergens from your nose. Sodium chloride nasal spray comes in different concentrations of sodium chloride and your provider can recommend one that's right for your needs. It's available over-the-counter as a lower-cost generic.
What is Sodium chloride nasal spray?
What is Sodium chloride nasal spray used for?
- Short-term relief of dry, irritated nasal passages
- Clears breathing from stuffy nose caused by dried-up mucus
- Moisturize nasal passages
- Flush allergens and dust from nasal passages
How Sodium chloride nasal spray works
Sodium chloride nasal spray adds moisture to the inside of the nose to lessen irritation and dryness. It also softens dried-up mucus inside the nose.
Drug facts
Side effects of Sodium chloride nasal spray
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Discomfort in the nose
The following Sodium chloride nasal spray side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
burning pain in lower abdomen
chest pain, severe
chills
confusion
dizziness
feeling of heat
feeling of warmth in the lips and tongue
headache (severe or dull)
loss of consciousness
nervousness
numbness of the fingertips
pain in lower back, pelvis, or stomach
ringing in the ears
seizures
sweating
thirst (sudden) or salty taste
vision problems
weakness
Incidence not known
Bad smelling discharge from the vagina
bleeding or redness at the injection site
decrease in the amount of urine
decreased urine output
dilated neck veins
extreme tiredness or weakness
full or bloated feeling
increase in bleeding from the uterus
irregular breathing or heartbeat
pain in the lower abdomen
passing of pieces of tissue from the uterus
pressure in the stomach
stomach cramping
swelling of the abdominal or stomach area
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Sodium chloride nasal spray
Pros
- Available over the counter
- Typically well-tolerated with few side effects
- Available in different concentrations of sodium chloride to meet your needs
- Some strengths of sodium chloride nasal spray are gentle enough for infants
Cons
- Might be difficult for some people to use the spray bottle
- Might be challenging to give nasal spray to children
- Some nasal spray might drip out of nose, which can be messy
- Spray in the nose can be uncomfortable for some people
Pharmacist tips for Sodium chloride nasal spray
- Make sure to check the directions on the box of your product before you use it. The directions might differ depending on the brand, manufacturer, or strength of sodium chloride. The instructions might also differ depending on whether your product is in a pump bottle or a pressurized canister.
- Before using sodium chloride nasal spray, blow your nose and wash your hands with soap and water. Shake the bottle gently before each use and remove the cap. Press down one nostril with your index finger to close it. Tilt your head slightly forward and place the tip of the bottle into the other nostril aiming towards the back of your head. For each dose, squeeze the bottle with firm, quick pressure while breathing in.
- It's normal for some of the spray or drops to drip out your nose after each dose. Have a tissue or napkin ready to help ease the dripping.
- If you're using sodium chloride nasal spray to flush dust or allergens from your nose, tilt your head to the side over a sink. This allows the saline drops to go into the sink, which makes clean-up easier.
- Always clean the tip of the bottle after each use, either by wiping it clean or rinsing the tip under hot water. Follow the cleaning directions on the bottle. Don't share sodium chloride nasal spray with other people to avoid spreading infections.
- Some people might experience temporary discomfort, such as stinging or sneezing, right after using sodium chloride nasal spray. These side effects are typically mild and go away after a while. But if they're bothersome and don't go away, let your provider know because you might need to stop using this spray.
- Store sodium chloride nasal spray at room temperature, don't put it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Common questions about Sodium chloride nasal spray
Yes, you can use sodium chloride nasal spray as needed, following the directions on the bottle. However, your provider might recommend you to use it on a regular basis while you're having nasal symptoms.
No, don't share one sodium chloride nasal spray bottle with multiple people. Doing so might spread infection. Also, different brands of sodium chloride nasal spray have different concentrations of sodium chloride or age cut-offs for who can use it, so make sure to choose the appropriate product for each person. If there are multiple people in your family using sodium chloride nasal spray, each person should have their own bottle. You're recommended to label each bottle to avoid confusion.
Ask your provider if you're not sure which strength of sodium chloride nasal spray is right for you. Typically, the strength of sodium chloride you choose depends on your need. For example, the higher strength sodium chloride 2.65% nasal spray is recommended for use as a nasal wash to flush out dirt or allergens from your nose. But if you need to simply moisturize your nasal passages, sodium chloride 0.65% might be right for you.
Sodium chloride nasal sprays are generically considered safe during pregnancy. They can help ease congestion when you have a stuffy nose.
Sodium chloride ophthalmic (eye) ointment and sodium chloride inhalation are also available for different uses than sodium chloride nasal spray. Only use sodium chloride nasal spray in your nose. Don't apply sodium chloride nasal spray anywhere else on your body, and don't use other sodium chloride products in your nose.
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Risks and warnings for Sodium chloride nasal spray
Sodium chloride nasal spray can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For use in the nose only
While sodium chloride is available in many other forms, sodium chloride nasal spray should only be used in your nose. Don't give this medication any other way. If you feel a nasal spray is not the best choice for you or if it's tricky for you to use the spray plunger, ask your pharmacist or provider for other options to treat your nasal symptoms.
Sodium chloride nasal spray dosage
Typical dosage for Sodium chloride nasal spray
Different brands of sodium chloride nasal spray might contain different concentrations of sodium chloride and directions for use. Please read the instructions on the manufacturer's label carefully before you use your product.
Some examples include:
Generic sodium chloride 2.65% nasal spray
- The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Generic sodium chloride 0.9% nasal mist
- Adults and children 4 years and older: The typical dose is 1 spray in each nostril, as often as needed.
- Children less than 4 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Vortex Moisturizing Nasal Spray (sodium chloride 0.65%)
- Adults and children 3 years and older: The typical dose is 1-3 sprays in each nostril 1 to 5 times daily, as instructed by the product label or as recommended by your provider.
- Children less than 3 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Generic sodium chloride 0.65% nasal spray
- The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril, as often as needed or as directed by your provider.
Interactions between Sodium chloride nasal spray and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
