Cleveland Clinic logo
Search

Alcohol Nasal Solution

What is this medication?

ALCOHOL (al kuh hal) prevents infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria in your nose, which lowers your risk of infection.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nozin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • History of nosebleeds or nasal irritation
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to alcohol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for topical use in the nose. Do not use it as a spray. Take it as directed on the label. Do not use it more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your nasal swab correctly. Do not get this medication in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other nasal products without talking to your care team.

Advertisement

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Contact your care team if nasal irritation and redness develop and persist for more than 72 hours after use.

This medication is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and right after you apply it.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 15 and 29 degrees C (59 and 84 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after it expires or 45 days after opening, whichever is first.

This medication is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Copyright ©2026 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad