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sodium chloride non-prescription

Generic
Used for Nasal Congestion, Edema, Nutritional Deficiency
Used for Nasal Congestion, Edema, Nutritional Deficiency

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 19, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostPricesMedicare
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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.

Are you looking for information on sodium chloride for the eyes or sodium chloride nebulizing solution instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOcean Nasal Spray, Vortex
Drug ClassMoisturizer
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$9.230
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What are the 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

Source: DailyMed

The following 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:

Less common

Excessive blood loss

fever

Rare

Anxiety

burning pain in lower abdomen

chest pain, severe

chills

confusion

cough

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

weight gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Drowsiness

nausea

usual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

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:

Incidence not known

Loss of appetite

weight loss

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sodium chloride nasal spray

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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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Sodium chloride nasal spray

pharmacist

  • 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.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Sodium chloride nasal spray

                Can I take sodium chloride nasal spray only when I need it?
                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.
                Can I use one sodium chloride nasal spray bottle for different people in my family?
                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.
                How do I choose between the different strengths of sodium chloride nasal spray?
                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.
                Can I use sodium chloride nasal spray if I'm pregnant?
                Sodium chloride nasal sprays are generically considered safe during pregnancy. They can help ease congestion when you have a stuffy nose.
                What other sodium chloride products are available?
                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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                What are the 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.

                risk-warning

                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.

                dosage

                Sodium chloride nasal spray dosage forms

                Typical dosing 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

                Interactions between Sodium chloride nasal spray and other drugs

                Sodium chloride nasal spray may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Sodium chloride nasal spray. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                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.

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