Saline spray

Saline spray

Generic Name: saline (SAY-leen)

Brand Name: Examples include Rhino-Mist and Salinex

Saline spray is used for:

Treating dry or irritated nasal passages caused by colds, allergies, low humidity, or overuse of decongestant nose spray.

Saline spray is a salt solution. It works by rinsing and moisturizing the nostrils.

Do NOT use saline spray if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in saline spray

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using saline spray:

Some medical conditions may interact with saline spray. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with saline spray. However, no specific interactions are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if saline spray may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use saline spray:

Use saline spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• To use a nose spray, gently blow your nose. Sit down and tilt your head back slightly. Place the tip of the spray container into the nose. Using a finger from your other hand, press against the opposite nostril to close it off. Breathe gently through the open nostril and squeeze the spray container. If you are using more than 1 spray, wait for 1 to 2 minutes between sprays. After using the medicine, rinse the tip of the spray unit in hot water and dry with a clean tissue to prevent contamination.
• If you miss a dose of saline spray, use the dose when you remember and continue to use saline spray as directed by your doctor or the package labeling.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use saline spray.

Important safety information:

• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking saline spray, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using saline spray during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using saline spray, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of saline spray:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with the proper use of saline spray. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA .

If OVERDOSE is suspected: www.aapcc.org ), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of saline spray:

Store saline spray at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep saline spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take saline spray or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about saline spray. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to saline spray. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using saline spray.

Issue Date: December 3, 2014

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