ClariClear 0.05% Nasal Spray

ClariClear 0.05% Nasal Spray is a medicated nasal spray whose active ingredient is oxymetazoline hydrochloride at a strength of 0.05%. Oxymetazoline belongs to the sympathomimetic class of medicines and is a well-established ingredient in nasal decongestant sprays sold in many countries. It acts directly on the small blood vessels in the lining of the nose, which is why the spray is applied inside the nostrils rather than swallowed. The DoctorOnCall listing shows the product in a 15ml bottle, and it is supplied without a prescription.

Unlike a plain saline spray, ClariClear is a drug product, and this shapes how it must be used. The most important safety point is that oxymetazoline sprays should be used only for a short period, generally no more than three consecutive days, because longer use can cause a rebound effect in which the nose becomes more blocked than before. Because the medicine can be absorbed in small amounts into the bloodstream, it also carries precautions for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or thyroid disorders.

Shake the bottle well, and prime the pump by pressing it several times until a fine mist appears if the bottle is new. Gently blow your nose, tilt your head slightly forward, and hold the bottle upright.

Insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril and press the pump while breathing in gently through the nose, then repeat in the other nostril. Wipe the nozzle clean after use, replace the cap, and do not spray into the eyes or mouth. Do not share the bottle with anyone else.

Adults and children over 6 years: 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril, up to twice a day. Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without medical advice, because longer use can cause rebound congestion. Do not exceed the stated number of sprays. Not suitable for children under 6 years unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle. Discard the bottle once it has been opened for longer than the in-use period stated on the pack.

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid places such as bathrooms. Do not refrigerate or freeze the bottle, and keep the cap tightly closed when the spray is not in use to prevent contamination.

Keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Mild nasal dryness, irritation, or a temporary burning or stinging sensation.
• Common: Sneezing or an increase in nasal discharge shortly after spraying.
• Serious: Rebound congestion, in which the nose becomes more blocked after prolonged use; stop using the spray and seek advice.
• Serious: Palpitations, chest pain, a sharp rise in blood pressure, marked tremor, or an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, all of which need urgent medical attention.

• Do not use if you are allergic to oxymetazoline or any ingredient in the spray.
• Do not use if you are taking, or have recently stopped taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant.
• Not suitable for children under 6 years unless directed by a doctor.
• Avoid without medical advice if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate.

• MAOI antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure when combined with oxymetazoline, so they should not be used together.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and other decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, can add to the effect of oxymetazoline on the heart and blood pressure.
• People taking medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using this spray.
• No food interactions are known, because the medicine is used inside the nose.

• Count the days you have used the spray, and stop once you reach three consecutive days unless a doctor has advised otherwise.
• Use only the number of sprays stated on the label, because more does not work better and raises the chance of side effects.
• Wipe the nozzle after each use and never share the bottle, to avoid passing germs between people.
• Keep the cap tightly closed and store the spray away from humid areas such as bathrooms.
• Tell your pharmacist if you take antidepressants or medicines for blood pressure or the heart before you use it.
• Do not spray into the eyes or mouth.

Precautions: Oxymetazoline can raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people, so those with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement should ask a doctor first. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also check with a doctor or pharmacist before use. Keep to the stated short duration to avoid rebound congestion and dependence on the spray.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if nasal blockage continues after three days of use, if you develop chest pain, palpitations, severe headache, or vision changes, or if your nose feels more blocked after stopping the spray. Anyone with fever, facial pain, or persistent discoloured discharge should also see a doctor.