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Saline Nasal Spray
Saline nasal spray delivers a sterile salt-water solution to the nasal passages to cleanse, moisturize, and relieve nasal congestion.
Saline Nasal Spray by ORA, Inc. is a marketed over-the-counter nasal decongestant indicated for relief of nasal congestion from colds, allergies, and upper respiratory conditions, as well as nasal humidification and preparation for other nasal medications. As a non-pharmacological saline solution, it operates through osmotic and mechanical mechanisms rather than drug-based action, making it a safe, widely-used adjunctive therapy. With 100 clinical trials and 60 publications supporting its use, the product demonstrates substantial clinical validation. The spray represents a foundational OTC nasal care product with established market presence and broad therapeutic applications across multiple patient populations.
At a glance
| Generic name | Saline Nasal Spray |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Placebo, Natriumklorid b. Braun 9 mg/ml, Intranasal Placebo, Placebo Spray |
| Sponsor | ORA, Inc. |
| Drug class | Nasal decongestant / saline rinse |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Otolaryngology / Respiratory |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The isotonic or hypertonic saline solution works by osmotic action to reduce mucosal edema, flush out irritants and mucus, and restore moisture to dry nasal tissues. This mechanical cleansing and hydration helps restore normal nasal airflow and function without pharmacologically active ingredients.
Approved indications
- Nasal congestion relief
- Nasal irrigation and cleansing
- Dry nasal passages
- Post-nasal drip management
Common side effects
- Nasal irritation
- Mild stinging or burning
- Epistaxis (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Intrapartum Fever (NA)
- Intranasal and Intravenous Oxytocin for Analgesia to Noxious Heat Pain (PHASE2)
- Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Postpartum Depression Prevention (NA)
- Efficacy of Flurbiprofen Spray for Postoperative Sore Throat Following Double-Lumen Endobronchial Intubation (NA)
- Cromoglicate Adjunctive Therapy for Outpatients With Schizophrenia (PHASE1,PHASE2)
- Benzydamine for Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving High-Dose Radiotherapy (PHASE4)
- The Importance of Insulin Action in the Brain for the Immune System During Physical Activity-Overweight (NA)
- Oxytocin to Treat PTSD (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |