Nasal spray in pregnancy

[lollyone]

Is it safe to use nasal sprays, such as Otrivine, during pregnancy?
Thanks.

[madsteve]

Have a look here

http://www.babyworld....=&page=&question=1553

[Sqad]

Yes.

[lollyone]

Thank you both.
That explains why I'm actually addicted to the stuff. I had no idea it made the symptoms worse after it wears off! I suppose I'll try and wean myself off it then.

[Sqad]

lolly, there is some confusion here which in my opinion has been brought on by the Internet and may have confused you.

1) Nasal sprays during pregnancy
2) Continuous use of nasal spray.

Both are unrelated and need different answers.

Nasal sprays in pregnancy, in my opinion are safe.

The continuous use of nasal sprays MAY in a very small percentage of cases lead to inability to do without the nasal spray....causing what is known as rhinitis medicamentosa......not that common and not that "big deal".
Now if you are pregnant and need a nasal decongestant (unblock the nose) what does one do?

Live with it?
Use a nasal spray?
Take tablets?

My answer.....use a nasal spray.

[lollyone]

Thanks sqad.
I kind of knew you weren't supposed to use it continuously but I wasn't aware of why. If I don't use the spray I can barely breath through my nose at all and have been relying on the spray for months now. It would seem though, that if I wean myself off it I should eventually be able to breath through my nose again?
At least I know that its not necessary to go 'cold turkey' now that I'm pregnant though!! lol.
Thanks again

[lillylemon]

If you use a decongestant nasal spray for more than 7 days, it can cause rebound congestion and make the initial problem worse