Nasal drops are aqueous or liquid paraffin solutions meant for instillation into the nostrils. Nasal drops often contain vasoconstrictor drugs to relieve nasal congestion.
Oily solutions are not preferred since the oil may retard the ciliary action of the mucosa and may even cause lipoid pneumonia if drop of the oil enter the trachea.
A vehicle for formulating nasal drops should have- (i) pH between 5.5 and 7.5, (ii) buffering capacity, (iii) tonicity equivalent to normal saline, and iv) viscosity not exceeding the normal viscosity of nasal mucosa.
Nasal drops are dispensed in 10 to 25 ml quantities in colored fluted bottles fitted with a screw cap and dropper. Commercially available products are supplied in plastic, squeeze- type containers.