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Proper Use
To use the nose drops:
- Blow your nose gently. Tilt the head back while standing or sitting up. Place the drops into each nostril and immediately bend head forward toward the knees for a few seconds to allow the medicine to spread throughout the nose.
- Rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap right after use.
To use the nose spray:
- Blow your nose gently. With the head upright, spray the medicine into each nostril. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly. For best results, spray once into each nostril, wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the medicine to work, then blow your nose gently and thoroughly. Repeat until the complete dose is used.
- Rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water taking care not to suck water into the bottle, and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap right after use.
To avoid spreading the infection, do not use the container for more than one person.
Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for longer than 3 days, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may make your runny or stuffy nose worse and may also increase the chance of side effects.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For stuffy nose:
- For nasal solution (nose drops or nose spray) dosage forms:
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Use one to three drops or sprays of a 0.1% solution in each nostril every eight to ten hours as needed.
- Children 2 to 12 years of age—Use two or three drops or sprays of a 0.05% solution in each nostril every eight to ten hours as needed.
- Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- The following dosage guidelines are used in Canada for children up to 12 years of age:
- Children 6 to 12 years of age—Use two or three drops or sprays of a 0.05% solution in each nostril every eight to ten hours as needed.
- Children up to 6 years of age—Use one drop or spray of a 0.05% solution in each nostril every eight to ten hours as needed.
- For nasal solution (nose drops or nose spray) dosage forms:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
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