Nasodine Sinus Rinse is an antiseptic isotonic nasal and sinus irrigation kit. Unlike non-medicated nasal/sinus rinse products, Nasodine Sinus Rinse contains a broad-spectrum antiseptic, called povidone-iodine (PVP-I) that has been shown to inactivate or eliminate viruses, bacteria and fungi, all of which can be responsible for nasal and sinus infections.
Nasodine Sinus Rinse may be recommended by a healthcare professional for use in:
- Sinusitis, colds and flu-
- Pre- and post-operative antisepsis of the nasal passages
- Nasal sanitisation to suppress potentially harmful bacteria in the nose
Regular use may help with chronic sinusitis and other conditions where you may have an infection of the sinuses or nasal passages caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Your doctor or ENT specialist may recommend daily or other use to help with symptoms of chronic sinusitis, colds and flu, or as an antiseptic nasal irrigation for use before and after surgery.
1. Before use, thoroughly wash the bottle in warm soapy water, then rinse and allow to dry.
2. Add water: use only pre-boiled, distilled or bottled water. Add lukewarm water up to the fill line (200 mL).
3. Add powder: add the contents of one sachet to the water in the bottle. Ensure the tube and cap are assembled and screw the cap onto the bottle. Place your finger over the top pf the cap and shake the bottle to ensure all the powder is dissolved. The resulting solution should be a dark tea-coloured.
4. Irrigate: While in the shower (or over a sink), lean forward and tilt your head down so your chin is close to your chest. Insert the cap tip gently into one nostril, then while breathing through your mouth, squeeze the bottle until the solution comes out of the other nostril (it may also come out of your mouth). Try to avoid ‘suck back’ of the irrigating solution into the bottle by withdrawing the tip from the nostril before releasing the hand pressure on the bottle. Repeat with the other nostril. Try to use around half the solution in the bottle in each nostril. Ensure that you wash away any residual brown solution from the sink or shower surfaces to avoid any staining.
5. After use: Gently blow your nose to clear excess fluid and mucous. Avoid blowing your nose if you have recently had sinus or nasal surgery, unless recommended by your doctor. Discard any remaining fluid in the bottle, wash the bottle, tube and cap and allow to dry, ready for next use.
You can use the product up to 3 times daily, or other frequency as directed by your doctor.
The sachets provided with the kit contain a powdered formulation of povidone-iodine (PVP-I), and when mixed with 200 mL of water, it produces an irrigation solution containing 0.1% PVP-I. One study has shown that sinonasal irrigation with a PVP-I solution around this concentration can reduce the bacterial load in the nasal passages and assist with symptoms of chronic sinusitis. The sachets also contain sodium chloride (salt) to make the irrigation solution ‘isotonic’ so it feels comfortable in the nose, and xylitol that acts as a moisturizer and can help thin mucus..
Nasodine Sinus Rinse is suitable for use by adults and children over 12 years of age. Younger children should only use Nasodine Sinus Rinse if directed by a doctor and only under supervision of an adult. Nasodine Sinus Rinse contains iodine; if you have a thyroid condition or are pregnant or breast-feeding, check with your doctor or healthcare professional before using Nasodine Sinus Rinse.
Blocked ears may occur with any sinus rinse product due to the possibility of fluid entering the Eustachian tube (ear canal). If this happens, try clearing your ears by pinching your nostrils closed while gently blowing through the nose. After releasing the pressure on your nostril, try also opening your jaw and swallowing.
Earache may occur with any sinus rinse product if you have applied pressure too forcefully on the bottle during the irrigation. Follow the recommended use procedure, but if the problem persists, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Coughing may occur with any sinus rinse product if you use it within an hour before going to bed or otherwise lying down.
In addition, the following side effects may also occur with Nasodine Sinus Rinse:
Allergic reaction to the ingredients: if you experience swelling, rash, difficulty breathing or any other signs of an allergic
reaction, stop using the product and see your doctor immediately.
Nasal irritation can occur immediately after use with Nasodine Sinus Rinse. This is almost always short-lived and mild. If persistent or severe, discontinue use of the product.
Unless instructed by a doctor, do not use Nasodine Sinus Rinse if you:
- have nasal tumours
- are taking anticoagulants or having a bleeding disorder
- have had recent ear or nasal surgery
- have a known allergy to povidone-iodine
- have a thyroid condition that may be affected by increased iodine exposure
Or have any other condition that your doctor says precludes use of a sinus rinse.
Nasodine Sinus Rinse contains iodine which can enter the bloodstream when present in the nasal passages. While iodine is an essential nutrient, it is recommended that you avoid using Nasodine Sinus Rinse during pregnancy and breast-feeding, unless directed by your doctor.
If you have cold symptoms, you may also use Nasodine Nasal Spray or Nasodine Throat Spray in conjunction with Nasodine Sinus Rinse. If you are using any nasal spray, including Nasodine Nasal Spray, always allow 15 minutes after using the sinus rinse before using the nasal spray.
Nasodine Sinus Rinse acts topically (on the surface) inside the nose and is unlikely to interact with oral or other systemic medications, but always check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
