Nasal congestion can be a result of common cold, allergies, sinus infection, flu, vasomotor rhinitis or hay fever. Nasal sprays like Otrivin can help in reducing nasal congestion caused by shrinking of the arteries and the veins in the nasal passage. The most important thing is Otrivin nasal spray should not be used for more than 3 to 5 days. Long term usage of Otrivin can cause damage to nasal tissue that will lead to chronic congestion. Extended dosage of Otrivin nasal spray is also harmful as it should be used only twice or thrice a day.
Otrivin nasal spray can be easily purchased from any local drugs or medical store. When you spray it in your blocked nose, relief can be seen immediately. Otrivin nasal spray shows magic by compressing blood vessels of the nose. Unfortunately, when this nasal spray wears off, the blockage of nose returns. Usually, people get addicted to this nasal spray. This is the place where side effects arise because nasal sprays are not recommended for long term usage.
Dryness of the nose
Usually, healthy nose membranes have some amount of moisture to help in preventing membrane chafing and cracking. It is common among chronic Otrivin nasal spray users. It is more common among those people who have sensitive nasal passage. They can feel discomfort while using Otrivin nasal spray. Usually, nasal sprays like Otrivin should be used occasionally. Continual usage of this nasal spray can cause dryness of nasal membranes. You can increase the fluid intake, by having more water, juices, tea, to hydrate the body properly. Dryness of the nose can also be treated by sea water solution. It would be more effective if you use a humidifier in the home during day hours and vaporizer during night hours; because the climate has a great impact on your body. Mouth and throat dryness is also seen in the patient of nasal congestion who is suffering from nose dryness.
Stinging and burning of the nose
Stinging and burning of the nose can be a result of a long term or overdosage of Otrivin nasal spray. This burning sensation results because the nasal membranes are irritated by the overdosage of a nasal spray. It is highly recommended to stop using Otrivin for a certain time period. You can also try some other nasal spray such as saline that is also quite helpful. In case, you are not frequently using Otrivin nasal spray, then you should consult your doctor because it may be damaging your nasal membranes badly.
Sneezing
Sneezing and a running nose can also be a side effect of Otrivin nasal spray. These types of side effects are not dangerous and will not stop the sufferer from going out. But, it is quite annoying and embarrassing when you have to interact with others at your workplace. If you are using Otrivin nasal spray to get relief from cold or any allergy, then you should try out some other home remedies like netty pot or over the counter drugs. Even increased discharge of nasal can also be a side effect of Otrivin nasal spray. Usually, it may happen immediately after using a nasal spray. Anyhow, this side effect can fade with regular usage of Otrivin nasal spray but not for long term use.
Ineffectiveness
After a certain time period, nasal sprays like Otrivin lose their effectiveness. Its result may vary depending upon the individual user as well as the health of their nasal. Usually, this type of condition occurs because of the extended usage of Otrivin nasal spray. Actually, continuous use of nasal sprays causes swelling in the nasal membranes. This swelling can really create trouble for you in breathing and raises the need for nasal spray. This side effect causes addiction to nasal spray. In result, slowly you will increase the dosage of nasal spray because a lesser amount becomes ineffective. In the end, it becomes totally ineffective even for larger dosage.
Headache or fatigue
In a few patients, headache or fatigue can also occur as a side effect of Otrivin, according to PDR health reports. Typically, headache is mild and localized in the middle of the forehead. Such people can also face difficulty in remaining alert and active while at school or in the workplace. Trouble in sleeping can occur in such people using Otrivin nasal spray, but it will elevate by itself after the completion of Otrivin nasal spray treatment. If you see such side effect in your case, then consult your doctor immediately. He will recommend you some over the counter medication that will alleviate headache or fatigue.
Difficulty in breathing
Cold often causes difficulty in breathing. Sometimes, using Otrivin even causes more difficulty in breathing. The blowing nose can give relief for a few next minutes, but not for the long term. It becomes terribly uncomfortable and people search for some remedy to get relief from blocked nose. An otrivin nasal spray is actually designed to give rescue from nose blockage, but sometimes it causes difficulty in breathing.
Rebound rhinitis
This side effect is visible due to the repeated usage of Otrivin for a long time period. It causes more congested nasal membranes after stopping the usage of a nasal spray. It is because of the addictive pattern where the sufferer needs nasal spray regularly to keep nasal passage clean. In a few cases, the need for oral steroid medication and steroid nasal spray may also arise to treat rebound rhinitis. In this way, the patient can completely get rid off from nasal spray.
Warning
Many times serious side effects of Otrivin nasal spray can arise that necessitate the need of a doctor to adjust and monitor its dosage. These serious side effects include kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, nose bleeding, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problem, and prostate problems. In rare cases, few drugs can also cause drug interaction. Therefore, it is quite important to avoid drugs like furoxone, Aldomet, Indocin, antidepressants like Elavil and Thorazine during Otrivin usage.
