Hypotonic Saline, Intranasal

Hypotonic saline, intranasal is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to relieve dryness and irritation to and around the nose (nasal passages) caused by: dry room air, allergies, low humidity, chronic sinusitis, nose bleeds, stuffy nose, cold/flu, winter dryness, CPAP/BiPAP, travel, or oxygen therapy.

Hypotonic saline, intranasal is available under the following different brand names: Rhinase Gel and Rhinase Mist.

Dosages of Hypotonic Saline, Intranasal:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Intranasal Gel

• Sodium chloride 0.22%
• Potassium chloride 0.17%
• Propylene glycol 15%
• Polyethylene glycol 20%

Intranasal Mist

• Sodium chloride 0.22%
• Potassium chloride 0.17%
• Propylene glycol 5%
• Polyethylene glycol 15%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Nasal Dryness

• Relieves dryness and irritation to and around the nose (nasal passages) caused by: dry room air, allergies, low humidity, chronic sinusitis, nose bleeds, stuffy nose, cold/flu, winter dryness, CPAP/BiPAP, travel, or oxygen therapy
• Adds moisture inside the nose to dissolve and soften thick, crusty mucus, making it easier to remove
• Adults and children 2 years and older:
  • Mist: 1-2 sprays in each nostril every 4 hours or as needed
  • Gel: Apply gel around nostrils and under the nose as often as needed; may be placed in nostrils to help relieve discomfort
  • Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established

• Hypotonic saline, intranasal has no listed side effects.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Hypotonic saline, intranasal has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Hypotonic saline, intranasal has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Hypotonic saline, intranasal has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Hypotonic saline, intranasal has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains hypotonic saline, intranasal. Do not take Rhinase Gel or Rhinase Mist if you are allergic to hypotonic saline, intranasal, or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• None

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hypotonic Saline, Intranasal?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hypotonic Saline, Intranasal?”

Cautions

• Keep out of reach of children
• Not for ingestion
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Use of the same tube/spray by more than 1 person may spread infection

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There are no known risks regarding the use of hypotonic saline, intranasal during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.