Otrives

definition

Otriven® contains the active ingredient Xylometazoline hydrochloride.
It is a drug belonging to the group of rhinologics.
These are drugs that can be prescribed for use in the nose for a cold.

Dosage form

Nasal drops

application

In a low dose, Otriven is also suitable for children.

Before using Otriven® nasal drops, the nose should be cleaned thoroughly. Blowing your nose is sufficient. The drops can then be instilled into each nostril with the head bent back. For hygienic reasons and to avoid infections, the nasal drops should only be used by one person.

Otriven® should not be used for more than a week. A longer application should be discussed with a doctor. If this is not the case, there should be a break of several days after seven days before another application of Otriven® nasal drops is started.

Otriven® is less suitable for the treatment of chronic rhinitis, as it can lead to a loss of the nasal mucosa if used too long. The recommended daily dose is one to two drops in each nostril up to three times.

Mechanism of action

As mentioned above, Otriven® contains the active ingredient Xylometazoline. It is a sympathomimetic, a drug that activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Since it only binds to the alpha receptor, it has a vasoconstricting component in the nasal mucosa. The mucous membrane is less supplied with blood and swells in the process. The effect occurs within 5 to 10 minutes after using the nasal drops. The result of the Otriven® nasal drops is better nasal breathing through the swelling of the mucous membrane and better drainage of secretions. Xylometazoline is usually used in salt form. This is achieved using hydrochloride.

Otriven® nasal drops do not require a prescription and can be purchased at pharmacies.

application areas

With the following clinical pictures comes Otrives® used: Rhinitis vasomotorica: a runny nose that occurs in attacks; Allergic rhinitis: allergy-related rhinitis; Sinus infection such as Otitis media in connection with runny nose: the Eustachian tube or the Sinuses be better ventilated again and healing occurs more quickly.

Contraindications

If one of the following points applies, may Otrives® are not used for:

  • a hypersensitivity reaction that has already occurred Xylometazoline or other components of Otrives®
  • an existing hypersensitivity reaction to the preservative benzalkonium chloride
  • Children under two years of age only after consultation with a pediatrician and
  • after surgical removal of the pineal gland (pituitary gland) and any other surgical procedure that exposes the meninges.

Restricted areas of application

Otrives® may only be used for the following clinical pictures after consultation with the treating doctor:

  • severe cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or angina pectoris
  • simultaneous use of MAOIs
  • simultaneous use of drugs that increase blood pressure
  • increased intraocular pressure as in narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma)
  • enlarged prostate
  • certain metabolic diseases such as porphyria
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Blood sugar disease (diabetes mellitus).

Use in children

Otrives® 0.05% must not be prescribed to infants and young children under two years of age. For this age group a Otrives® with 0.025% Xylometazoline hydrochloride Children from two to six years old are allowed Otrives® Use 0.05%.

Long-term use and too high a daily dose should be avoided. Long-term use and higher dosages should only be carried out under medical supervision.

For school children and adults are Otrives® nasal drops with 0.1% Xylometazoline hydrochloride on the market. The same applies here: the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded in order to avoid any adverse drug reactions.

Otrives® Nasal drops have no effect on the ability to drive.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • pregnancy: There is insufficient evidence that Otrives® is a safe medicine during pregnancy, which is why Otrives® should only be prescribed after a risk-benefit analysis with the attending physician. The recommended dose must not be exceeded in order to avoid possible consequential damage to the unborn child. Overdosing can lead to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the unborn child.
  • Lactation: As there is insufficient evidence to support the safe use of Otrives® is used during breastfeeding, it should only be taken in consultation with the attending physician. The recommended daily dose should not be exceeded because Otrives® can reduce milk production.

Side effects

As with other drugs, it can also with Otrives® cause adverse drug reactions.

The most common side effect is increasing swelling of the Nasal mucosa after the active ingredient has subsided. Occasional side effects include: Sneeze, Epistaxis, Increase in blood pressure, Palpitations, Racing heart, skin rash or itching. Less common after using Otrives® a headache, insomnia or fatigue on. The undesirable drug reactions that only occur very rarely should also be mentioned: Hallucinations or cramps can occur in children in the rarest of cases. Burning or dryness of the nasal mucous membrane can occur with too long, frequent use and with too high a dosage. The appearance occurs with the so-called Rhinitis medicamentosa on. Increased drug use triggers these symptoms. If the drug is not discontinued after these symptoms have occurred, permanent damage (crust formation) in the nasal mucous membrane can occur after continued use. The clinical picture is also called Rhinitis sicca designated.

Also read: nosebleeds from nasal spray and Dependence on nasal spray.

Measures for side effects

If side effects occur, these should be reported to the doctor. This decides on the countermeasures that should be taken.

In the case of sudden or strongly developing side effects such as excessive Increase in blood pressure, strongest a headache or one Hypersensitivity reaction, you should inform a doctor immediately.

It is important to act quickly to avoid any serious consequences.

Interactions

The attending physician should be aware of any medication that has now or recently taken place. Caution is advised when taking at the same time Otrives® and mood-enhancing medicines such as MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants, such as medicines to increase blood pressure. It can lead to an increase in blood pressure with serious consequences.

Overdose

The clinical picture of the Xylometazoline hydrochloride poisoning is diverse.

There can be phases of activation with phases of inhibition of the central nervous system overlap. Especially in children it can be too high after a dose Convulsions, coma, slow pulse or Apnea come. Rapidly occurring high blood pressure is quickly replaced by a drop in blood pressure. Further signs of an overdose are hallucinations, anxiety, inner restlessness, constriction of the pupils (myosis), dilation of the pupils (mydirasis), fever, sweating, paleness, nausea or vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias.

In case of poisoning with Otrives® inform a doctor immediately. Treatment and monitoring in the hospital as soon as possible are necessary.

storage

Otriven® should be stored at normal room temperature in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light. Generally it should be kept out of the reach of children.

The drug must not be used after the expiration date. It should not be disposed of with household waste or wastewater.