Nazivin during pregnancy: harm, benefit, dosage

Why is the drug dangerous?

As you already know, the instructions forbid taking the drug “Nazivin” during pregnancy.
Why is there such a limitation? How can this drug be dangerous? In order to understand how the use of Nazivin during pregnancy can harm you, you need to know how this drug works. After application, an immediate effect on the vessels of the nose begins. They simply narrow. Due to this, a person feels relief and free breathing.

It is worth noting that the vasoconstrictor affects all blood vessels. Of course, the drug has the most active effect on the nasal passages. However, the human body is completely riddled with veins, arteries and tiny vessels. Their narrowing always leads to an increase in blood pressure. As a result, the person may feel worse.

The drug "Nazivin" during pregnancy can also have a similar effect. For the expectant mother, a slight increase in blood pressure may not even be noticeable. The same cannot be said about the condition of the fetus. With severe vasoconstriction or increased blood pressure, less oxygen and all nutrients may reach the embryo. A few minutes of such exposure can lead to irreversible consequences. At the same time, the little man’s brain suffers greatly.

In Nazivin, its active substance, oxymetazoline, may be dangerous. Therefore, all structural analogues of this drug will affect the woman’s body and the fetus in the same way. This group includes: Afrin, Nazol, Nesopin, Oxymetazoline, Fazin.

Nazivin, like other vasoconstrictor drugs, is prescribed only in extreme cases. Doctors recommend first trying alternative products made from natural ingredients. For mild to moderate runny nose, the use of saline solutions will be sufficient: Aqualor, Marimer, Dolphin, Humer, etc.

Depending on the form of release, they can be instilled, injected or washed. Permitted products based on herbs and oils include Pinosol. It restores nasal breathing without drying out the mucous membrane. But before using it, you need to do an allergy test.

Nazivin during pregnancy, according to the instructions, should be used for no more than 5 days and only in the permitted dosage. The effect occurs almost instantly, but since the drug is a symptomatic remedy, it should be used in a minimal amount and in cases where there is severe swelling of the mucous membrane and nasal congestion. For greater safety, expectant mothers are recommended to use the children's form of Nazivin with a lower concentration of oxymetazoline.

Nazivin and alternative

The instructions for Nazivin indicate that use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is possible only after a thorough study of the balance of benefit for the mother and risk for the child. Most doctors perceive this as a prohibition, and besides, they can also tell you several scary stories about what pathologies and injuries this medication threatens your baby.

The active substance oxymetazoline is the culprit in the danger of Nazivin during pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to use alternative homeopathic remedies and sea water solution. But if nothing helps at all, then you will have to use Nazivin. After all, a constantly stuffy nose prevents the child from getting fresh air, and this is much worse. In addition, constant discomfort, nervous tension and the inability to sleep normally will have an extremely adverse effect on the mother’s health. Many women claim that, contrary to the prohibitions of doctors, they instilled Nazivin into the nose and carried and gave birth to healthy children. But still, you should not self-medicate, but it is better to seek adequate treatment from a doctor.

Nazivin should not be abused. Studies have shown that the drug, like many analogues, is addictive and its vasoconstrictive effect becomes much less over time. With long-term use of Nazivin, it is necessary to take breaks from taking it for 5-7 days. Use the pediatric dosage form and never exceed the dosage.

General information about the drug

Nazivin is a drug for topical use. Available in the form of nasal drops and spray. The product quickly reduces swelling of the mucous membrane and constricts blood vessels.

The active component of the drug is oxymetazoline, a substance that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors located in the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels. They narrow, swelling subsides, and mucus becomes thicker and released in smaller quantities. The drug begins to act within a few minutes after administration, the effect is felt for 4-12 hours.

If Nazivin is used in the recommended dosage, then negative effects on the mucous membranes can be avoided. The drug does not enter the systemic circulation.

Nazivin is a vasoconstrictor that relieves swelling and reduces the appearance of a runny nose, making breathing easier; the effect of use lasts for a fairly long period of time. Its active ingredient is oxymetazoline hydrochloride, produced in drop format with varying concentrations of the main component.

Doctors call indications for its use:

The course of a cold accompanied by a runny nose and sinusitis, in which the sinuses become inflamed and otitis media.
Rhinitis of various etiologies, including atrophic and to eliminate swelling of the nasal passages after medical or diagnostic procedures.
Angle-closure glaucoma, when there is no outflow of excess fluid.

Regarding existing contraindications, these are age restrictions for the use of certain drops, plus individual intolerance to certain medicinal compositions. It is also worth noting that you should not use it for more than 5 days.

In terms of side effects, these are what manufacturers call:

Excessive dryness of the nasal mucosa and excessive sneezing.
Attacks of headaches and dizziness, insomnia.
Feelings of anxiety and hypertension.
If you use the drug for more than 5 days, a medicinal type of rhinitis and atrophy of the patient’s mucosa may develop.

Important! The positive effect is achieved 3-5 minutes after application and lasts from 4 to 12 hours. In this case, the drops or spray do not penetrate the bloodstream and therefore, if used correctly, there are no negative consequences.

When can you use Nazivin during pregnancy: reviews and opinions of experts

This remedy can only be used if certain symptoms are present. Before prescribing, the doctor must conduct a thorough examination of the expectant mother. The woman's normal blood pressure must be established. If it is elevated, then you should stop using this product.

It is also necessary to exclude diseases such as poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, and obesity. If a woman is taking additional medications at the same time, then this is worth taking into account.

The drug "Nazivin" during pregnancy is prescribed only when the expectant mother's breathing is very difficult and the woman is forced to breathe through her mouth most of the time. It is worth noting that such a combination of events may have a negative impact on the unborn baby. Such breathing does not allow filling the organs, including the reproductive organs, with a sufficient level of oxygen.

As already mentioned, only a specialist can prescribe medicine. Never try to use this product yourself. Otherwise, the treatment may end disastrously for the condition of the unborn baby.

Most often, specialists prescribe the drug “Nazivin for children” during pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that the concentration of this drug is much lower than in the product for adults.

Also, preference should be given to drops rather than spray cans. Their area of influence is smaller, and, therefore, the effect on the fetus is less. Be sure to check with a specialist which solution to purchase. Children's products are considered to be formulations that contain 0.01% or 0.025% solution.

When it comes to treating a runny nose in expectant mothers, many doctors are inclined to use Nazivin for up to one year during pregnancy. But even in this case there are limitations and features.

Children's Nazivin instructions for use during pregnancy:

First of all, doctors say that using a spray or drops in the first trimester is prohibited, but if the positive therapeutic effect outweighs the danger to the fetus, it is prescribed in minimal doses and then for a course of no more than 3 days.
During the 2nd trimester, Nazivin is also indicated for use only in exceptional cases, after prior agreement with the attending physician. Most often, the drug is prescribed for complicated forms of rhinitis and sinusitis, and also for a course of no more than 3-5 days.
In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, children's Nazivin can be used without any special restrictions or concerns for the unborn baby. The main thing is also not to exceed the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the doctor and manufacturer.

Regarding the duration of the course of use, manufacturers do not recommend using it for more than 3-5 days, otherwise it can cause addiction and lack of positive treatment results, and cause the development of a medicinal form of rhinitis. And frequent vasoconstriction and surges in blood pressure can negatively affect the growth and development of the fetus.

In order to minimize the side, negative effect of the drug on the body of the mother and fetus, you can simply moisten a cotton pad in the solution from the bottle and insert it into each of the nostrils, or simply wipe the nasal passages with it.

Nazivin nasal drops during pregnancy can be replaced with a spray - the choice depends on the individual preferences of the woman. Before use, it is necessary to clean the nasal passages: rinse with a saline solution prepared independently or from a pharmacy, for example, Aquamaris. Read more about the use of Aquamaris during pregnancy→

Pregnant women are allowed to use Nazivin no more than 3 times a day. To restore normal breathing, it is enough to inject 1-2 drops of the drug or spray one spray into each nostril.

Nazivin is usually well tolerated, but in rare cases, adverse reactions develop. As a rule, they are local in nature: a burning sensation and tingling in the nose, dry mucous membrane, sneezing attacks. A pregnant woman may also complain of headache, nausea, weakness, disturbed sleep and increased blood pressure.

It is recommended to use Nazivin for children during pregnancy, since this form of the drug contains a lower concentration of the active substance. It is available in two versions: 0.01% for babies under one year old, 0.025% for children 1-6 years old. Nazivin for adults has a concentration of oxymetazoline of 0.05%.

When using a children's drug, the dosage should not be increased. 1-2 drops should be administered into each nasal passage. If this amount is not enough and nasal breathing remains difficult, you can increase the single dose to 3-4 drops. It is recommended to use drops only before bedtime and for no more than 3-5 days.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug

If a woman nevertheless decides to use Nazivin, she must follow the instructions for use and the permitted dosage. Since this drug is a vasoconstrictor, it can cause an increase in uterine tone. This will lead to the threat of miscarriage or premature birth.

Nazivin is especially dangerous in the 1st and 2nd trimester. From the 7th month of gestation, the number of drugs allowed during pregnancy increases. Therefore, medications can be combined. But, nevertheless, you should be careful when using it.

Correct use of the drug

Drops are used to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa and upper respiratory tract. They are used for ARVI, rhinitis, sinusitis. The medicine can ease breathing, which is difficult due to viral infections.

The medicine is instilled before examining the nasal passages. It is used for ENT manipulations. It comes in the form of a spray and drops. The instructions indicate that long-term use is prohibited and the nostrils can be treated no more than three times a day. During pregnancy, it should be used only as a last resort after consultation with a specialist. If Nazivin was prescribed in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, then the daily dose should not exceed 4 drops per day.

Treatment of colds

You cannot use the product for more than 3 days without consulting a specialist. The drug should be administered into each nostril one drop or 2 sprays. The break between instillation should be from 8 to 12 hours. Adverse reactions are rare, but they do happen. It could be:

burning in the nose;
feeling of dryness;
frequent sneezing;
headache;
nausea, vomiting;
feeling tired, drowsy.

Do not use if you have diabetes or sudden changes in blood pressure.

Use of children's product

If it is impossible to exclude the use of the drug during pregnancy, then it is recommended to use children's Nazivin, which has a dosage of 0.01 or 0.025 mg of the active substance. The medicine is intended for babies up to one year old. The duration of treatment remains the same (no more than three times a day), but the risk of developing pathology is much less.

There is another safe way to use a baby drug during pregnancy. It is necessary to moisten a cotton swab with the liquid from the bottle. And insert into each nostril. Or you can wipe your sinuses with this solution. Find out the whole truth about Pinosol in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester of pregnancy and Almagel during pregnancy.

Is Nazivin allowed during pregnancy?

What kind of hardships can befall the expectant mother: acute respiratory infections, vasomotor rhinitis, and possible unexpected allergic reactions. Will using Nazivin help in the fight against them? How safe is Nazivin for women during pregnancy?

Nazivin is the trade name of a series of over-the-counter nasal drops and sprays produced by a German pharmaceutical company. The medication is a clear liquid, without color or with a slight yellow tint. It starts working almost immediately after application, the effect lasts up to 12 hours.

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride.

Drops with an APS concentration of 0.01% are used to treat newborns and infants.
Drops/spray with an API concentration of 0.025% are prescribed to children aged 1 to 6 years.
Drops/spray with an API concentration of 0.05% are prescribed to adults and children over 6 years of age.

Nazivin: water, glycerin, 50% benzalkonium chloride solution, citric acid, sodium citrate.
Nazivin Sensitive: does not contain benzalkonium chloride. Otherwise, the additional components are the same and in almost the same concentration as in classic Nazivin.

Anticongestive.
Alpha adrenomimetic.

Classic Nazivin is available in tinted glass bottles. A pipette dispenser is built into the lid. The product with an API concentration of 0.05% is also available in a plastic bottle with a sprayer.
The Sensitive line is supplied in bottles made of white opaque plastic. The medicine in a concentration of 0.01% is in a container with a dropper dispenser. Nazivin Sensitive in higher dosages is equipped with a spray dispenser.

The bottles are packed in a cardboard box. There are also detailed instructions inside.

Nazivin's testimony

Acute nasopharyngitis.
Vasomotor rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis.
Acute sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis.
Eustachite.
Otitis media
ARVI of multiple and unspecified localization.
Elimination of swelling before medical intervention.

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Angle-closure glaucoma.
Atrophic rhinitis.
The use of Nazivin, intended for an older age group.

Nazivin is prescribed with caution to patients with severe metabolic disorders and severe diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Common: sneezing, dry mucous membranes in the nasal passages, reactive hyperemia.
Uncommon: heart rate more than 90 beats per minute, increased blood pressure.
Rarely: insomnia, headache.
If the therapeutic dosage is exceeded, the following negative consequences associated with the systemic effect of the drug may occur: anxiety, dizziness, irritability, measles-like rash. Children may develop sleep disturbances. If the product gets into the eyes, vision may be impaired.
A prolonged course of treatment with Nazivin may be fraught with the development of drug-induced rhinitis and tachyphylaxis.

Nazivin: dosage

Drops 0.01%. Children during the newborn period: 1 drop in each nostril up to 3 times a day. Infants: 1-2 drops up to 3 times a day.
Drops/spray 0.025%.
Children from 1 year to 6 years: 1–2 drops/1 irrigation up to 3 times a day.
Drops/spray 0.05%. Children 6 years of age and older, adults: 1–2 drops/1 irrigation up to 3 times a day.

For a long time, oxymetazoline, when used in a therapeutic dosage, was considered absolutely harmless for expectant mothers. However, evidence from a recent large epidemiological study suggests otherwise.
American scientists have found a connection between the use of nasal products based on imidazole derivatives by women 2 months before fertilization and/or in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and congenital malformations in children. It turned out that these drugs can cause developmental abnormalities of the trachea and pyloric stenosis.
Suspicions about the relationship between the use of vasoconstrictors and malformations of the eyes, ears, and cardiovascular system of the fetus were not confirmed.
Difficult nasal breathing leads to disruption of the normal ventilation of the expectant mother's lungs, which may result in a lack of oxygen in the unborn child.
If other measures to combat nasal congestion have not brought the desired result, the doctor may prescribe decongestants for a short period of time, even at the beginning of pregnancy. The best option is to use Nazivin drops for children during pregnancy.
If the therapeutic dose is exceeded, a systemic effect of the drug may occur, that is, vasoconstriction throughout the body, and not just in the nasal cavity. This can lead to a number of side effects. For the unborn child, this condition is dangerous due to lack of oxygen and the development of hypoxia.

Due to the fact that the differences in the composition of classic Nazivin and Nazivin from the Sensitive line are minimal, all restrictions on use during pregnancy regarding Nazivin also apply to its brother.

In the first trimester, the medicine is prescribed by the doctor after a thorough assessment of the potential harm and expected benefits of therapy.
Children's drops have the optimal concentration of the active substance; it is better to use Nazivin for babies up to one year old.
During pregnancy, during the first 12 weeks, vasoconstrictors are used to a minimum: 1-2 drops in each nostril 1-2 times a day. Ideally, you should put drops in your nose only before going to bed at night.
The recommended course of treatment with Nazivin should not be longer than 2–3 days.

In the second trimester, there is no risk that the drug will negatively affect the development of the fetus.
It is allowed to use any dosage of Nazivin in the form of drops or Nazivin spray.
But during pregnancy it is still better to give preference to the threshold dose.
The length of the recommended course of treatment with Nazivin is 4 days. Frequency of use of decongestant: up to 3 times a day.

Recommendations for using the product in the last months of pregnancy are the same as for the second trimester.

Numerous reviews about the medicine read:

The longer therapy with Nazivin lasts, the less pronounced the effect of using the drug becomes. Short courses of treatment are most effective.
Even a product with the lowest concentration of APS can often relieve an adult of nasal congestion.
With prolonged use, the product is addictive.
Nazivin drops/spray during pregnancy are generally well tolerated by the body.
Many successful mothers who used Nazivin moderately during gestation did not note negative consequences for the health of their children.

Medications whose active pharmaceutical substance is oxymetazoline are the most suitable vasoconstrictors for pregnant women. But in cases where the need for medications is determined not by a disease or a doctor’s prescription, but by the so-called “rhinitis of pregnant women,” you can try to do without decongestants.

To facilitate nasal breathing, it is important that the room temperature is not too high. 21 degrees Celsius, plus or minus a couple of degrees, is the best option. It is recommended to maintain the humidity in the room between 30–60 percent.
It is recommended to use a high pillow for sleeping.
You can reduce swelling in the nasal cavity with the help of hypertonic solutions: Quicks, Aqualor Forte, Aqua Maris Strong.
If the use of vasoconstrictors is unavoidable, then before using them it is recommended to clean the nasal cavity with an isotonic solution (saline, Salin). This will enhance the effect of the medication.

It is better not to use Nazivin during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, unless absolutely necessary and consult a doctor. If taking the drug cannot be avoided, it is recommended to use Nazivin drops or spray for children during pregnancy.

Nazivin, according to the instructions, during pregnancy can be used strictly in the recommended dosage and after assessing the ratio of expected benefits and harms. Gynecologists try not to prescribe this drug if the runny nose is not severe and can be eliminated by rinsing with saline solution or instilling herbal and oil-based products.

But in severe cases of the disease, the use of vasoconstrictors is justified. Prolonged disruption of nasal breathing can cause a deterioration in the woman’s general well-being and oxygen starvation of the fetus.

The dangerous substance in Nazivin is oxymetazoline. Although the instructions indicate that the effect of the drug is exclusively local, some doctors are of the opinion that with prolonged use the vasoconstrictor effect extends to the placenta. This leads to insufficient blood supply, oxygen and nutrient deficiency in the unborn child.

This condition is very dangerous for the fetus, since constant nasal congestion and long-term use of Nazivin equally cause fetal hypoxia, and then intrauterine growth retardation. In addition, the woman develops dryness of the nasal mucosa, and nosebleeds may occur.

Indications and contraindications

Nazivin during pregnancy is prescribed as part of the complex therapy of acute rhinitis of various origins: infectious, allergic, vasomotor. Since the drug quickly eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane, it can be used to eliminate the symptoms of sinusitis, including sinusitis, inflammation of the Eustachian tube and middle ear. It is sometimes used in preparation for examination or surgery.

Due to the vasoconstrictor effect, regular Nazivin, as well as for children, is practically not prescribed during pregnancy to women who have a tendency to increase blood pressure or are diagnosed with hypertension.

The drug is also prescribed with caution for other cardiovascular diseases, such as:

tachycardia;
atherosclerosis;
ischemic disease.

Relative contraindications for the use of Nazivin include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, pheochromocytoma and increased intraocular pressure. Absolute - angle-closure glaucoma, atrophic rhinitis. Treatment is canceled if hypersensitivity to the components of the drug is detected.

Instructions and dosage during pregnancy

When prescribing, the doctor must specify how and how much to use Nazivin for Children during pregnancy. Never increase the specified values without permission. If there is no result, consult your doctor. You may be advised to use more concentrated drops, but the dose of the substance will not be increased.

Most often, expectant mothers are prescribed a minimum dose of medication. You need to drop one drop into each nasal passage. It is recommended to repeat the procedure no earlier than after 6 hours. The effect of the drug in some cases can reach 12 hours. In this case, repeated administration of the medicine does not need to be carried out unless absolutely necessary.

Sometimes doctors prescribe this medicine to make breathing easier. In this case, the drug is used no more than once a day.

Instructions for use

What is written in the annotation? The instructions for the drops indicate that Nazivin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. However, if the risk for the mother is greater than for the fetus, the drug can be used. In this case, the appointment must be given by a specialist. You cannot use Nazivin (drops) on your own during pregnancy. Indications must be strict when recommending this remedy.

It is worth recalling that while pregnant, many drugs are prohibited. That is why it is necessary to approach each treatment with caution. Before using any drug, be sure to read the instructions for use. If it says nothing about use during pregnancy, this does not mean that the product can be used without fear of complications.

Most annotations for medications, including Nazivin drops, contain a description for use by young children or expectant mothers.

Advantages	Flaws
Inexpensive drug, sold without a prescription (readily available).	Can be dangerous if dosage is incorrect.
Quickly helps get rid of nasal congestion.	With prolonged use by a woman who is intolerant to the components of the drug, it can cause dryness of the nasal mucosa.
Nazivin helps relieve swelling of the mucous membrane during pregnancy.	Prohibited for high blood pressure.
Long lasting effect.
For greater safety, you can purchase a medicine with a lower content of active substance.
Reduces the amount of nasal discharge.
Thanks to the glycerol content, it helps to avoid dry mucous membranes.