Saline nasal spray Question

[Luna]

Hi everyone. I have a question about saline nasal sprays. Does anyone know how long a saline solution nasal spray stays good for once opened? I cannot find this information anywhere..

Luna

[Reanne]

No, I don't know, but I think it's a great question.  I wondered if I used a nasal saline when I have a sinus infection if it is then contaminated?

[Carolina]

Dear Luna,

I use Simply Saline which is in a can under pressure.  I'm sure it stays OK.  I've used it twice a day for years and maybe use a can a month?  I'm not sure how fast I go through it.

Hope you find what works for you.

Hugs

Elaine

[Luna]

Most of the time the saline solution works. But sometimes it doesnt. I wondered if it is cause it has been open and went bad. I use the simply saline in the can for the kids. Guess I could start using it for me also.

Luna

[Carolina]

Oh, Luna,

I thought you were worried about contamination.

I really don't think a saline solution can lose its effectiveness.

I mean it's just salt and water.

Variation in effectiveness is probably just dependent on how congested or whatever you are.

Does anyone else have a thought on this?

Hugs

Elaine

[Luna]

Yes Elaine. I am worried about contamination. Does the saline solution go bad and cause problems if it does ?.. I use a regular squeeze bottle. So I wondered if it can go bad after being open for a while.

Luna

[Sadie963]

The saline sprays I use stamp the expiration date on the bottle's label. I did see this information on About.com here

http://drugs.about.com/od/howtouseyourmedications/a/nasal-spray.htm

Ten Helpful Facts to Know Before You Use a Nasal Spray

7. Never use your nasal spray after the expiration date on the bottle. Since your nasal spray is a liquid medication, it is easily contaminated with dirt or bacteria. Use a marking pen to write the date you open your nasal spray on the bottle. This way, you know when to throw it away.

[4Kids]

I use the Rhinarous one, and I just use it to the end. It is a squirt kind, water and salt and a few other ingredients.

[Calli66]

I think the aerosol type (not preserved) is a good solution. Beware of saline that is preserved with benzalkonium chloride----.

Calli

[irish]

I use the nasal sprays in the plastic bottle that have a preservative. I hate the preservative cause it is so irritating but need to carry something in my purse for those emergencies.

I have a lot of infections in my sinuses and I seem to never use one of the bottles up. I tend to throw them away if I have used them when I have infections.  I just kind of go with my gut cause I have no other way to judge. Also, one can mark them with a marker so that you at least have an idea about the length of time you have had it. The little bottles aren't so expensive and if on sale it is even better.

The problem is I like the Ayr nasal spray the best as the preservative doesn't seem so strong and they tend to be a little more spendy.  Irish