Vicks nose drops. Instructions for use, price

Vicks is a Germanic nasal drug for the normalization of nasal breathing. The tool is highly effective in eliminating colds and allergic rhinitis, and its use is rarely accompanied by the development of a negative reaction. An additional advantage of nasal drops is the convenience of dispensing.

Vicks drops release form

Vicks is produced in the form of colorless and transparent drops (yellowish tint is allowed) without additional inclusions and with a specific smell. The product is placed in brown glass vials with a dispenser spray in the amount of 15 ml. The bottle is equipped with a protective cap and placed in a cardboard box along with instructions.

Composition of the preparation

The list of Vicks' constituent drops includes the following elements:

List of components	Characteristics of the components
Active substance
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride in the amount of 0.05 g	The component narrows blood vessels, reduces the amount of nasal discharge and has a decongestant effect.
Secondary elements
Sorbitol	The substance is used as a thickener, and also has a detoxifying effect and enhances the therapeutic properties of the active substance.
Sodium Citrate Dihydrate	The element restores the water-salt balance in the nasal mucosa, and also helps to soften the crusts.
Tyloxapol	The component liquefies thickened mucus, as a result, its removal is facilitated, and when it enters the lungs, the discharge of sputum improves.
Chlorhexidine bigluconate	The component has an antiseptic effect.
Anhydrous citric acid	The element is a preservative, strengthens blood vessels, and also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Aloe vera	The substance has antibacterial properties, accelerates tissue repair, eliminates inflammation, and also promotes the removal of harmful substances.
Benzalkonium chloride	The component has an antiseptic effect.
Levomenthol	The component has analgesic, disinfecting and anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces itching caused by allergies and has a cooling effect.
Calcium acesulfame	The element is used as a preservative.
Cineol	The substance is an antiseptic, and also improves the discharge of phlegm from the lungs.
L-carvone	The component is used as a flavoring agent.
Disodium edetat	The component is a preservative.
Sodium hydroxide	The element softens the crusts in the nose to facilitate their removal.
Distilled water	The substance is used to combine the components used and give the drops the required concentration of the active element.

The percentage of the active element is 0.05 or 0.02.5%.

Pharmacological properties

The drug Vicks belongs to the group of local vasoconstrictor drugs.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Vicks - nasal drops, which, when applied topically, affect mucous tissues:

• vasoconstriction, as a result, the amount of mucus secreted decreases;
• reduce swelling and inflammation of tissues, as a result of which nasal breathing is facilitated;
• soften the crusts and thin out thick mucus, making it easier to remove them;
• contributes to the destruction of pathogenic bacteria;
• attracts and removes harmful substances from the mucous membranes of the nose;
• normalizes the electrolyte balance in the nasal cavity;
• eliminates itching caused by allergies;
• reduces the soreness that manifests itself in the nose with prolonged runny nose;
• reduces eye redness caused by allergic rhinitis;
• when injecting the agent into the nose, the particles of the drug penetrate the lungs and facilitate the discharge of sputum (the effect is weak);
• reduces soreness in the ears with otitis media, due to the elimination of the common cold;
• contributes to the normalization of the state of the walls of blood vessels.

After the introduction of the drug nasally, breathing relief is noted after about 5 minutes. The achieved effect can last approximately 8-12 hours.

Indications for use

The drug Vicks is prescribed by specialists if the patient has the following pathologies:

• runny nose caused by colds (ARVI, flu, rhinovirus);
• allergic rhinitis;
• redness of the eyes caused by an allergic rhinitis;
• otitis media (the development of inflammation in the tissues of the ear), the development of which is provoked by a runny nose;
• inflammation or swelling of tissues in the nose without heavy nasal discharge.

Additionally, the drug is used for infectious pathologies that are accompanied by a runny nose or disruption of the upper respiratory tract.

Contraindications

Vicks - nasal drops, which should be used after a doctor's prescription and the exception of the patient's contraindications:

• chronic heart failure;
• high pressure indicator;
• increased number of heartbeats;
• violation of the condition and activity of the heart muscle;
• change in the rhythm of heart contractions;
• increased production of thyroid hormones;
• diabetes mellitus, due to the content of glucose-containing components in the composition;
• dry runny nose. Pathology proceeds without the presence of nasal discharge;
• increased intraocular pressure (mainly with angle-closure glaucoma);
• the period after the removal of tumors in the nasal cavity;
• frequent nosebleeds;
• carrying a child. The effect of the drug on the fetus has not been studied;
• surgical intervention on brain tissues;
• lactation period, since it is not known whether the drug penetrates into breast milk or not;
• violation of urine output from the body (rare urination);
• dysfunction of the kidneys in moderate and severe form.

With hypersensitivity to the elements of drops, the agent is also not used.

At what age can nasal spray be used?

Age restrictions on the use of the drug depend on the dosage of the main component. With an active substance concentration of 0.025%, the agent is approved for use after the patient reaches 1 year of age. And at a dosage of 0.05%, Vicks can be injected into the nose after 6 years.

Instructions for use, dosage

Vicks is used to facilitate breathing. The drug is used only locally, by injecting the solution into the nasal passages.

Before studying the dosage of the drug, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main features of the use of drops:

1. Before the introduction of the solution, mucus should be removed from the nasal passages. To do this, you need to blow your nose, children can rinse the nose with saline or remove the discharge with a special pear. The better the nose is cleared, the greater the effect of the drug will be.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly so that bacteria from your hands do not get into the spray bottle or nasal cavity.
3. Remove the protective cap and wipe the nebulizer with a disinfectant wipe. The nebulizer should be wiped after each manipulation in order to protect the solution and the nasal cavity from the penetration of pathogenic microflora.
4. Press the sprayer 1-2 times to check the operation of the sprayer.
5. Shake the bottle, the patient's head should be straight. You do not need to tilt, since the nebulizer will distribute the medicine itself along the nasal cavity.
6. Ask the patient to breathe out.
7. Insert the nebulizer into the nasal cavity, pinch the free nostril with your finger. Press the nebulizer the required number of times while inhaling. This will allow the drug to penetrate all areas of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, it is desirable that the tip of the spray should be directed to the outside of the nose (opposite the septum).
8. Remove the nebulizer from the nostril and take 2 deep breaths through the nose so that the medicine is better distributed and does not leak out.
9. Similarly, inject the drug into the other nasal passage. Important. The agent must be injected into both nostrils, even if one nasal passage is not blocked.
10. Treat the nebulizer with a disinfecting cloth and close it with a protective cap.

After injecting the drug into the nose, if possible, try to restrain sneezing, otherwise most of the medication will come out.

The dosage of Vicks depends on the age of the patient, as well as on the purpose of its use:

Appointment	Age	Dosage of funds
0,025%	0,05%
Rhinitis of a cold nature	1-6 years old	1 press on the atomizer 1-3 times a day. The course of therapy is up to 5 days.	Do not use.
6-10 years old	1-2 injections into the nose 2-3 times a day. Duration of use is up to 7 days.	1 press on the atomizer 1-3 times in 24 hours. Duration of treatment is 1 week.
Over 10 years old	Do not use.	1-2 injections 1-3 times a day. The course is 7 days.
Allergic rhinitis	1-6 years old	1 press on the sprayer 3 times during the day. The course is 7 days.	Do not use.
6-10 years old	1-2 injections 3 times a day for 1 week.	1 press on the spray 3 times every 24 hours for 7 days.
Over 10 years old	Do not use.	1 injection 2-3 times a day. Duration of treatment is 1 week.
Otitis media caused by a runny nose	1-6 years old	2 clicks on the sprayer 2-3 times during the day. Course 5 days.	Do not use.
6-10 years old	2 injections 3 times a day for 1 week.	1 press on the sprayer 3 times every 24 hours. The course is 7 days.
Over 10 years old	Do not use.	1-2 injections 2-3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 1 week.
Inflammation of the tissues in the nose	1-6 years old	1-2 clicks on the sprayer 2-3 times during the day. Course 5 days.	Do not use.
6-10 years old	2 injections 2-3 times a day. Duration of treatment is 1 week.	1-2 clicks on the spray 2-3 times every 24 hours. The course is 7 days.
Over 10 years old	Do not use.	2 injections 3 times a day. Course 1 week.

It is impossible to prolong the course of using Vicks without the permission of a specialist, since prolonged use of the drug can cause an increase in symptoms.

Important. When injecting the agent into the nostril, do not tilt your head or perform manipulations while lying down.

Side effects

The use of the drug Vicks in extremely rare cases can cause the development of a negative reaction, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

• burning sensation, the symptom is more pronounced if the nasal mucosa is severely irritated;

  

• dryness of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity;
• dry mouth and throat;
• sneezing, immediately after the introduction of the solution into the nose;
• an increase in the amount of nasal discharge;
• increase in pressure value;
• headache due to vasoconstriction;
• dizziness;
• an increase in the number of heartbeats;
• feeling of heartbeat;
• unreasonable anxiety or irritability;
• increased drowsiness;
• worsening sleep. It is more common in children;
• insomnia, develops mainly in adults;
• slight nausea;
• increased swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose;
• hallucinations and loss of strength;
• rashes on the skin of an allergic nature and other symptoms of allergies, including choking.

After the end of the action of the medication (after about 8-12 hours), a feeling of severe nasal congestion may appear.

Overdose

Vicks - nasal drops, which should be used in a strictly specified dosage and no more than 7 days.

If these conditions are ignored, the development of an overdose is possible, which is manifested by symptoms:

• severe nausea, turning into vomiting;
• a sharp increase in the pressure value;
• severe violation of the rhythm of heart contractions, cardiac arrest is possible;
• the development of bleeding from the nose due to increased dryness of the mucous membranes. It appears with prolonged use;
• an increase in the number of heartbeats more than 100 beats per minute;
• violation of the nervous system in the form of seizures, loss of balance;
• hallucinations and severe irritability, anxiety;
• deterioration of vision;
• blue lips and limbs due to heart failure;
• the development of fever with a sharp decrease in body temperature;
• pulmonary edema, manifested by severe shortness of breath;
• if the product is swallowed, diarrhea develops.

To normalize well-being, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. If the drug is swallowed, gastric lavage and sorbent intake are additionally required.

special instructions

The drug can cause the development of serious side effects, therefore, before starting treatment, you should familiarize yourself with the nuances of its use:

• you cannot independently increase the dosage or prolong the course;
• in the absence of improvement on the fourth day of therapy, it is necessary to cancel the drug and consult a doctor;
• protect the solution from the penetration of pathogenic microflora into it;
• if possible, use the medication individually, that is, each family member should have his own bottle;
• it is categorically impossible to bury the product in the eyes, otherwise there is a high likelihood of visual impairment.

The drug affects the activity of the nervous system, therefore, when using it, it is required to avoid driving vehicles and performing hazardous work.

Drug interactions

Vicks - nasal drops that cannot be used in combination treatment without the permission of a doctor, since the remedy is not combined with all medicines. For example, after completing a course of taking antidepressants, it is required to maintain an interval of at least 2 weeks before starting to use Vicks. Otherwise, there is a sharp increase in blood pressure.

Additionally, the agent slows down and prolongs the effect of local anesthetic medications. Also, Vicks cannot be used concurrently with other vasoconstrictor medications, due to the increased likelihood of side effects.

Analogs

If a patient detects contraindications or shows a negative reaction, specialists can replace the drug with the following analogues:

Analogue name and estimated price	Active element	Instructions
Naphthyzine (0.05 and 0.1%) drops. The cost is about 35 rubles. for 10 ml of solution.	The main substance naphazoline has a fast and long-term vasoconstrictor effect.	Indications, side effects, contraindications, as well as features of the use of the product and age restrictions are similar to the original. The dosage of the medication, as well as the course, are set individually.
Vibrocil drops. The approximate cost for 15 ml of solution is 270 rubles.	The active ingredients (phenylephrine and dimethindene maleate) have a mild vasoconstrictor, decongestant and antihistamine effect.	The main characteristics of the drug are identical to the original, while side effects on the use of the drug are extremely rare. Drops are allowed to be used after the patient reaches 1 year.
Nazivin (0.025, 0.05% and 0.1%) drops. The average price for 10 ml of solution is 200 rubles.	The main component (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) has a vasoconstrictor, decongestant and antiseptic effect.	The instructions for using the analogue are close to the rules for using the original. Age restrictions depend on the dosage of the main component.
Rinostop (0.05 and 0.1%) drops. The approximate cost for 10 ml of solution is 130 rubles.	The active ingredient (xylometazoline hydrochloride) has a vasoconstrictor effect and eliminates swelling of the nasal mucosa.	The features of using the product are similar to the original. Age restrictions depend on the concentration of the main component.
Rhinorus (0.05 and 0.1%) drops. Approximate price for 10 ml is 40 rubles.	The main component (xylometazoline hydrochloride) eliminates puffiness and has a vasoconstrictor effect.	The main characteristics of the drug are close to the original. Age restrictions depend on the amount of active substance in the solution.

The type of analogue is produced by the attending specialist, taking into account the reason for replacing the drug.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

You do not need a doctor's prescription to buy Vicks. After purchasing the medication, it must be stored in a darkened place out of the reach of children at temperatures up to 25 degrees. The bottle must be closed with a protective cap for the storage period. Subject to the listed conditions, the shelf life of the medicinal product is 3 years.

Price

The cost of drops varies by region, and also the price depends on the point of sale and the concentration of the main component.

Approximate price range for the drug:

Dosage drops	Minimum price	Maximum price
0,025%	280 RUB	320 RUB
0,05%	RUB 230	270 RUB

The lowest price for the product is recorded in online pharmacies.

Vicks gained popularity among patients and doctors for high efficiency, as well as speed and the duration of the achieved therapeutic effect (improvements occur after 5 minutes and persist until 12 hours). When choosing a drug for children, the concentration of the main element in nasal drops should be taken into account.

Author: Kotlyachkova Svetlana

Video about Vicks

Vicks asset spray - indications, description and feedback: