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Is saline for sale in the local pharmacy ?

Hi,

I have a chronic nasal blockage problem and was recommended to try cleansing the nose with saline.

Is saline prescription only ?

Or, can I just buy at boots ?

Cheers,

Reply 1

Its just salt and water, i doubt its prescription only.

Reply 2

Segat1

You can buy it at boots, but you can make it yourself.
Salt water up the nose FTL.

Reply 3

matchu

You could just make it....

Reply 4

pharmgirl

Yes, saline nosedrops are available over the counter. They are not that brilliant though and tend to be used for babies who are not old enough for decongestants or steroid nasal sprays. Depends what your blockage is caused by but the steroid inhaler is probably the best option. Talk to your pharmacist.

Reply 5

Salain

Saline, I buy that in boots for my contact lenses.

Reply 6

pharmgirl

matchu

You could just make it....

Please dont make it yourself. Saline nosedrops are 0.9% and more importantly isotonic. This is essential as the mucous membranes in the nose are sensitive.

Reply 7

Saline solution is not table salt and tap water, by the way.

Reply 8

matchu

3232

Saline solution is not table salt and tap water, by the way.

Yes it is.

5 grams of salt (yes table salt)
473.2ml water
pinch baking soda

= nasal saline lavage.

oh actually Edit: Oh noes it's in a bottle, you can't POSSIBLY make that!!

Reply 9

matchu

Yes it is.

5 grams of salt (yes table salt)
473.2ml water
pinch baking soda

= nasal saline lavage.

oh actually Edit: Oh noes it's in a bottle, you can't POSSIBLY make that!!

Saline solution is distilled water and sea salt, not tap water and table salt. There is a difference.

Reply 10

generalebriety

matchu

Yes it is.

5 grams of salt (yes table salt)
473.2ml water
pinch baking soda

= nasal saline lavage.

oh actually Edit: Oh noes it's in a bottle, you can't POSSIBLY make that!!

Yeah, but, distilled water. :s-smilie:

Reply 11

matchu

I can't be bothered because I'm going to bed, but no, it's not. It can be but it doesn't have to be. Especially not in this case.

Edit It really is table salt. Good old sodium chloride

Reply 12

matchu

I can't be bothered because I'm going to bed, but no, it's not. It can be but it doesn't have to be. Especially not in this case.

Edit It really is table salt. Good old sodium chloride

Table salt has additives, sea salt does not, which is why it is used in proper saline solution along with distilled water, rather than tap water (which also has additives). A solution can be created but you'd have thought the medical professional who advised them to use saline solution would have mentioned the home-made variant if it was applicable?