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Is A Saline Spray Bottle Opened Six Months Ago Safe To Use?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Sep 2018
Question: Hello,

I used a saline spray about 3 hours ago into both nostrils. I later just realized that this was an opened bottle of spray from when I purchased it likely over 6 months ago. Is this safe? The bottle has an expiration date of 2019, but there is nothing on the bottle that states safe time usage once opened. Am I ok? Or did I just inject a bottle of bacteria up my nasal cavity? Please let me know if I should seek attention immediately.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

You are fine.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It would be safe to use.

Saline contains salt. Salt has slight antibiotic properties, this is the reason that infected areas are often washed with salt water/saline solutions.

Since it has antibacterial properties and the expiration date is 2019, you are safe.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (16 minutes later)
Thank you for your prompt response.

So even though it had been opened and perhaps exposed to the outside environment for 6 months, it should still be fine? It has an applicator which was left off during storage, but when off, there does not appear to be a way to extract the water or spray from the bottle.

It's ingredient is listed as 100% seawater (isotonic salt concentration equivalent to 9g/L sodium chloride). The product itself is "hydraSense Isotonic Nasal Spray - Gentle Nasal Mist".
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:

Yes, it would be fine.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Yes, despite exposure, it would be fine.

You are not at risk of infection from its use.

If unclear can let me know.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Dr. Michelle Gibson James
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Is A Saline Spray Bottle Opened Six Months Ago Safe To Use?

Brief Answer: You are fine. Detailed Answer: Hi, It would be safe to use. Saline contains salt. Salt has slight antibiotic properties, this is the reason that infected areas are often washed with salt water/saline solutions. Since it has antibacterial properties and the expiration date is 2019, you are safe. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.