Novartis India Limited - OTC Business Unit, part of Novartis' operations in India, launched Otrivin in a nasal spray format. Otrivin will now be available as a topical nasal decongestant in a modern easy-to-use direct acting spray format in India. Otrivin nasal spray will be available over-the-counter (OTC) at chemist stores and is priced at Rs 44 for a 10 ml unit.

Otrivin has been the market leader in the nasal decongestant category, and has been trusted by health care professionals for several decades. It is now available as an OTC nasal decongestant in spray form that acts directly by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal tissues leading to relief from nasal congestion. Otrivin formulation comprises of xylometazoline 0.1% and is indicated for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion due to colds, seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The product is positioned to be a part of the cough/cold and allergies segment, an estimated Rs 1,550 crore market in India. Of this, the nasal decongestion segment is about Rs 110 crore.

The OTC nasal decongestion segment comprises remedies ranging from balms to tablets, inhalers and nasal drops. In the case of Otrivin nasal spray, in order to apply the medication the consumer needs to hold his head upright and simultaneously spray the medication in a nostril and inhale. The nasal spray can also be used as a dropper.

"A common cold can slow down the pace of life. Our target group is each and every consumer who is not able to keep pace with their normal routine because of nasal congestion and is looking for fast relief. Otrivin nasal spray will help them manage their common cold symptoms more efficiently though a direct acting solution. It acts locally inside the nose within 2 minutes and works for as long as 10 hours," said Vineet Singhal, OTC BU Head India for Novartis.