DD 11 months has been prescribed Otrivin for blocked nose but I have just checked

[Sammy74]

the instructions and it says not for use in under 2's.

I cannot get through to the doctors to check - has anyone had any experience of using these drops for babies?

Thanks.

[LIZS]

I think we did. The instructions may well be for otc purchases, but it may still be prescribed for younger.

[mylovelymonster]

You should be able to get advice from a local pharmacist if you can't get through to GP.

I may be being dim, and have no idea of your little one's illness, but have you tried the basic saline drops for babies noses?

[Sammy74]

Thanks for your messages. I haven't tried the saline drops as Dr prescribed these this morning and I didn't check the box until we got home.

DD has a chesty cough and blocked up nose which has caused us to have no sleep for the past 3 nights - Dr wouldn't prescribe antibiotics and told me to use these drops to clear her nose.

I have got a Karvol vapouriser and have been giving capol every four hours but she is still having problems staying asleep.

I am a bit wary of the doctor as he wasnt aware that Medised was now 'banned' for under 6's and I am wondering whether I should be giving her these drops.

Pharmacist is now closed - bugger!

[mylovelymonster]

You can get saline drops and vapour rub (for chest and throat) suitable for 3months+ over the counter at decent pharmacy (Boots, or most supermarkets).
If you not happy with GP then seek further advice. Having a baby with a heavy cold is horrible and worrying, but as long as her temperature is under control (not elevated and controlled by calpol) then if it was me (and it has been) I would use simplest methods available for managing blocked nose and chestiness. Her sleep will be restless, but then no-one can sleep when they're congested.

I am not a doctor, so please don't rely on just what I say. There is always NHS direct on 0845 46 47 - they may be able to advise you properly.

[Sammy74]

Thanks mylovelymonster. I hadnt even thought of good old Vicks vapour rub. I will get my DP to pick some up on the way back from work plus some saline drops.

I think I will bin the ones that the Dr prescribed as I don't trust 'em!

[mylovelymonster]

Not Vics vapour rub! there are ones made for little ones - Boots do a good own brand. something to do with mix of essential oils used, I think........

[LIZS]

The box of ours says not below 3 months of age and under 2's on gp's advice - which you have.

[LIZS]

or make your own saline drops here

[alypaly]

hope this helps www.emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/20353/SPC/Otrivine%20Child%20Nasal%20Drops/

has doc given you adult strength or paediatric.

Saline nasal drops are good as mylovelymonster says and no side effects.

[alypaly]

if in doubt give the local A and E or emergency doc a ring. They will give you advice over the phone.

[Sammy74]

Thanks for all your messages.

LIZS the instructions in mine say consult a doctor for use in under 6 years old and not to be used for under 2's. So they must have updated their information recently (I def. have the child drops).

Alypaly I looked the drops up on that site you gave and that also says not for use in under 2's.

Anyway, Dr. has just called me back and said

'well I have used those drops in babies before and those instructions are just something to do with their licence.

If you don't want to use them you don't have to, but you did tell me she was making herself sick with all the phlegm so that is why I prescribed them'

So there you go! Anyway, I am going to continue with the saline ones and see how she goes. I don't think I will be using the Otrivine unless things get a lot worse.

[Elibean]

Snuffle babe is the baby rub, much milder than Vicks! Smells nice, but no idea if its effective at all - I used/use it on dd2, but suspect its for my own benefit and she likes the smell

I did use Otrivine when she was under 2, but then again she was a bit of an extreme case - unable to breathe properly due to huge tonsils, adenoids and laryngomalacia so having a blocked nose due to a cold was extra stress, and she had severe sleep anpnoea. We were told to use Otrivine, Medised, whatever helped get her through till surgery, basically....not just a chesty cold.

Now she's over 2 (nearly 3) I use Otrivine sparingly if she's very blocked and asks me to (rare!).

[alypaly]

the company that makes them will not be liable if DC has any side effects. Your doc will have to take that on the chin as the product does not have a licence to use in under 2. They are only to be used short term(ie 1 week)...even in an adult as you get a rebound reaction with long term usage.

Saline nasal drops and a suction mucus remover are good.

I dont think you can use Vicks vapour rub in under 2 either unless its the infant balsam. Havent got the pack in front of me ,but check.