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sodium chloride intranasal spray

  • Pharmacy Author:
    Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

    Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

  • Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
    Jay W. Marks, MD

    Jay W. Marks, MD

    Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

What is sodium chloride-nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

  • Intranasal sodium chloride or saline solution is a purified salt solution used for wetting the nasal passages. It moisturizes the nose and helps dissolve and loosen thick mucus most often associated with the common cold. It is especially useful for clearing stuffy nasal passages in children who cannot blow their nose. Intranasal sodium chloride does not contain any active medication.

What brand names are available for sodium chloride-nasal spray?

Ocean, Ayr Saline, Humist, NaSal, Little Noses, Ocean for Kids

Do I need a prescription for sodium chloride-nasal spray?

No

GENERIC AVAILABLE Yes

What are the uses for sodium chloride-nasal spray?

  • Intranasal sodium chloride is used for relieving nasal congestion and dryness.
  • It also is used as a pretreatment for nasal steroid administration.

What are the side effects of sodium chloride-nasal spray?

Intranasal sodium chloride rarely causes side effects. Side effects of this product may include:

What is the dosage for sodium chloride-nasal spray?

  • The recommended dose for relieving nasal congestion and dryness is 2 sprays per nostril as needed.
  • When used as a pretreatment prior to administering nasal steroids the recommended dose is 1 spray per nostril 2 to 6 times daily.

Which drugs or supplements interact with sodium chloride-nasal spray?

There are no drug interactions listed for this product.

Is sodium chloride-nasal spray safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • The risk of Intranasal sodium chloride harming the fetus is very low.
  • It is not distributed in breast milk.

What else should I know about sodium chloride-nasal spray?

What preparations of sodium chloride-nasal spray are available?

Nasal spray: 0.9, 3%

How should I keep sodium chloride-nasal spray stored?

Sodium chloride should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

Summary

Sodium chloride intranasal spray (Ocean, Ayr Saline, Humist, NaSal, Little Noses, Ocean for Kids) is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to relieve nasal dryness and congestion. Sodium chloride intranasal spray also is used as a pretreatment for nasal steroid administration. Common side effects include:

Drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed prior to using any OTC product.

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Medically Reviewed on 3/6/2019
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information
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