Instructions on giving your child nose drops or spray
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Wipe your child’s nose and ask him or her to blow his or her nose if needed.
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Wash your hands.
- Get your child into any of these positions to give the nose drops or nasal spray:
- tilt your child’s head back
- lay your child flat on his or her back
- ask someone to hold your child in a safe position
- wrap your baby or young child in a light blanket or sheet to keep his or her arms and legs still
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Remove the top from the bottle.
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As your child is breathing through his or her mouth, squeeze the bottle and put the right number of drops into the nostril(s), or give the ointment or spray as instructed.
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Keep your child in this position for a minute or two so the drops spread through his or her nose.
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Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue.
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Put the top back on the bottle.
Looking after the nose drops or spray
- Keep the bottle tightly close in a cool, dark place according to the label.
- Read the instructions on the label and only use the drops in the affected nostril(s).
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions about your child’s nose drops, please ask your family doctor (GP) or local community pharmacist.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: September 2006
Ref: F060366 © GOSH Trust September 2006
Compiled by the Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group
Please read this information in conjunction with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer. However, please note that this information explains about the use of medicines in children and young people so may differ from the manufacturer’s information.
Each person reacts differently to medicines so your child will not necessarily suffer every side effect mentioned. This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
