Description:

Cold Naso Ephedrine Nasal Drops 0.5% is a topical nasal decongestant solution used to provide temporary relief from nasal congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or other upper respiratory allergies. Ephedrine acts as a sympathomimetic agent that constricts blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, reducing swelling and opening nasal passages for easier breathing. It is a short-acting decongestant suitable for acute symptomatic relief in adults and older children. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common over-the-counter nasal drop available in pharmacies for cold and allergy-related nasal blockage.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana. No prescription required; freely sold in pharmacies and retail outlets. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if symptoms persist beyond 5–7 days, worsen, include fever, severe headache, or green/yellow discharge (possible bacterial sinusitis), or for use in children under 6 years, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or people with hypertension, heart disease, or glaucoma.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Nasal Decongestant / Sympathomimetic (Local vasoconstrictor for nasal mucosa).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each ml of nasal drops contains:

• Active ingredient: Ephedrine hydrochloride – 5 mg (0.5% w/v). Other ingredients: Sodium chloride (for isotonicity), sodium metabisulfite or benzalkonium chloride (preservative), purified water, and possibly citric acid or sodium citrate (pH adjustment). The solution is clear, colourless to pale yellow, and sterile.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (trace sodium from sodium chloride, but not therapeutic).

Variant:

• Cold Naso Ephedrine Nasal Drops 0.5% 10ml or 15ml bottle (standard adult/older child strength). Related variants: Ephedrine 0.25% nasal drops (lower strength for children), xylometazoline 0.05% or 0.1% drops/sprays (longer-acting alternatives), or oxymetazoline nasal drops. The 0.5% strength is the most common adult formulation.

Consume Type:

Nasal – Nasal drops (instilled into the nostrils; not for oral or ophthalmic use).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults and children over 12 years: Instill 2–3 drops into each nostril 3–4 times daily as needed.
• Children 6–12 years (if advised): 1–2 drops into each nostril 3–4 times daily.
• Tilt head back slightly, insert dropper tip into nostril, squeeze gently, and breathe in through nose while instilling.
• Do not exceed recommended dose or use continuously for more than 5–7 days (risk of rebound congestion – rhinitis medicamentosa).
• Do not share dropper bottle (risk of contamination).
• Clean dropper tip after use.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Local nasal irritation, burning, stinging, or dryness.
• Sneezing on instillation.
• Rebound nasal congestion (if used >5–7 days). Rare/serious (seek help): Systemic effects (especially in children or overuse): restlessness, insomnia, increased heart rate, hypertension, headache, tremor, or allergic reactions (rash, swelling).

Package Type:

Plastic dropper bottle of 10ml or 15ml (with integrated dropper nozzle and protective cap; often in individual carton or no carton; labelled with ingredients, dosage, and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Discard 4 weeks after first opening or as indicated on label. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For nasal use only; do not swallow or apply to eyes.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to ephedrine or sympathomimetics, severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, angle-closure glaucoma, or children under 6 years (unless prescribed).
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (use only if benefits outweigh risks), hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, prostate enlargement, or concurrent use of MAO inhibitors/TCAs (risk of hypertensive crisis).
• Do not use longer than 5–7 days (risk of rebound congestion and chronic rhinitis).
• If severe headache, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or worsening nasal blockage occurs, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (accidental ingestion or overuse risk – systemic toxicity).

Product Substitutes: Similar ephedrine 0.5% nasal drops in Ghana include:

• Generic ephedrine hydrochloride 0.5% nasal drops (various importers).
• Other brands like Ephedrine Nasal Drops BP 0.5%. Alternatives (longer-acting decongestants):
  • Xylometazoline 0.05% or 0.1% nasal drops/sprays (Otrivin, Nasivin)
  • Oxymetazoline 0.025% or 0.05% (Afrin, Vicks Sinex)
  • Saline nasal drops/sprays (for mild congestion or children). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Aspen Pharmacare

Country of Origin:

South Africa