sodium chloride intranasal

Sodium chloride intranasal is a saline solution of common salt and water, used to moisten dry and inflamed mucous membranes of the nose, and to thin and loosen up dried/hardened mucus. It is also used as a pretreatment for the administration of nasal steroids.

Sodium chloride intranasal can be sprayed as a fine mist or administered as drops into the nostrils. Sodium chloride intranasal is commonly available over the counter (OTC).

Warnings

• Do not use sodium chloride intranasal if you are hypersensitive to preservatives or buffers which may form part of the saline solution.
• Sharing the same nasal spray dispenser by more than one person can spread infection.

Common side effects of sodium chloride intranasal include:

• Nasal irritation

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.

Nasal Spray

• 0.9% (isotonicity includes the addition of preservative systems and buffers)
• 3% (Entsol)

Adult and Pediatric:

Nasal Dryness and Congestion

Isotonic solution (0.9%) relieves nasal congestion by thinning mucus and moisturizes membranes

• Adults and children: 2 sprays/nostril as needed
• Infants: Use drop application; 1-2 drops each nostril with gentle bulb syringe suction to extract mucus

Pretreatment for Nasal Steroid

Helps reduce nasal swelling

• Hypertonic saline (3%): 1 spray/nostril 2-6 times daily

Administration

Ocean delivery options

• If bottle is held upright: delivers fine mist
• If bottle is held horizontally: delivers a stream
• If bottle is held upside down: delivers drops

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.

• Sodium chloride, intranasal has no listed 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.

• Sodium chloride, intranasal is acceptable for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Sodium and chloride are electrolytes naturally present in breast milk.

• Do not use the sodium chloride intranasal product if the seal is broken or missing.
• Store safely out of reach of children.