Recommended Dosage of Otrivin (Xylometazoline) Pediatric Nasal Drops in Children
For pediatric patients, xylometazoline (Otrivin) nasal drops should be administered at a concentration of 0.025% with a maximum frequency of three times daily. 1
Age-Specific Dosing Recommendations
- Infants and children under 2 years: Use of 0.025% concentration, maximum three times daily (under medical supervision) 1
- Children 2-5 years: One spray per nostril daily of 0.05% concentration 2
- Children 6-11 years: Two sprays per nostril daily 2
- Children 12 years and older: Two sprays per nostril once or twice daily 2
Administration Guidelines
- Apply drops with the child's head tilted backward to ensure proper distribution 1
- Limit use to short duration (3-5 days) to prevent development of rhinitis medicamentosa 2
- Allow at least 6 hours between doses to prevent tachyphylaxis 3
Safety Considerations
- Xylometazoline appears to be safe in hospitalized infants when used at appropriate doses 1
- The most common side effects include:
Important Precautions
- Avoid continuous use beyond 3-5 days as this can lead to:
- Use with caution in children with:
Clinical Pearls
- Low-dose xylometazoline (0.025%) appears to have a good safety profile in hospitalized infants under medical supervision 1
- Studies show that the same dose remains effective throughout a treatment period without developing tolerance when used appropriately 4
- Rebound congestion typically develops after prolonged use (30 days) but may not be evident after shorter courses (10 days) 3
- For allergic rhinitis specifically, intranasal corticosteroids are generally more effective for long-term management than decongestants 2