The right spray depends on what is behind a blocked or runny nose. The range covers three types: saline sprays from Sterimar and Medicare that rinse the nose with salt water, decongestant sprays containing xylometazoline (Otrivine) or oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex) for a blocked nose, and allergy sprays for hay fever containing fluticasone (Flixonase Allergy), triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy) or beclometasone (Beconase Hayfever).
Everyday saline sprays such as Sterimar Breath Easy Daily are designed for regular use, while stronger saline sprays for a blocked nose are used until it clears, so check the pack. Decongestant sprays are for short-term use only, as using them for longer than the pack states can make a blocked nose worse, and most are for ages 12 and over. The three allergy sprays are for adults aged 18 and over, used for no longer than the label allows without medical advice. Speak to our pharmacist if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, and always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. For a cough or sore throat too, also see our cough, cold and flu range.
