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Table 2 Surface tension at the surface-to-air interface for nasal OTC formulations

From: Surface tension examination of various liquid oral, nasal, and ophthalmic dosage forms

Solution

Indication

Surface tension (dynes/cm)

Mucosal lining fluid

 

~56

Afrin® No Drip Extra Moisturizing

Relieves nasal congestion due to common cold, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies; swollen nasal membranes, sinus congestion/pressure

44.7 ± 0.8

Afrin® Original Nasal Spray

Relieves nasal congestion due to common cold, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies; swollen nasal membranes, sinus congestion/pressure

41.6 ± 0.3

CareOne® No Drip Nasal Spray

Relieves nasal congestion; sinus congestion

40.6 ± 0.4

Zicam® Intense Sinus Relief No Drip Liquid Nasal Gel

Relieves nasal congestion due to common cold, hay fever, allergies, and sinusitis; sinus congestion/pressure

37.4 ± 0.6

Mucinex® Sinus-Max

Relieves nasal congestion, due to common cold, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies; sinus congestion/pressure

37.2 ± 0.4

4 Way® Nasal Decongestant Fast Acting Spray

Relieves nasal congestion, sinus congestion/pressure, swollen nasal membranes

36.7 ± 0.4

Vicks® Sinex 12 Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray

Relieves nasal congestion due to cold, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies

33.9 ± 0.2

NeoSynephrine® Cold & Sinus Mild Strength Spray

Relieves nasal congestion due to cold, allergies

33.8 ± 0.2

CareOne® Saline Nasal Spray—Nasal Moisturizing Spray

Relieves dry nasal membranes

33.1 ± 0.2

Vicks® Non-Drowsy Qlear Quil 12 Hour Nasal Decong. Moisturizing

Relieves nasal congestion due to cold, hay fever, other respiratory allergies; sinus congestion/pressure

30.3 ± 0.2