Common Types Of Nasal Sprays And How To Use Them

Common types of nasal sprays and how to use them

by Men's Reporter Team

OTC Cold and Allergy Nasal Spray Brand Generic Name Description Afrin Oxymetazoline Relieve nasal congestion due to colds and sinus problems Nurserchrome Cromolyn Relieve and prevent allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose Neosynephrine Phenylephrine Relieve nasal congestion due to colds and sinus problems Flonase Fluticasone Propionate Treats sneezing and hay fever symptoms Nasacort Triamcinolone Treats itching and runny nose Rhinocort Budesonide A steroid drug that prevents inflammation and treats runny nose and itching.

Can I use over-the-counter nasal sprays for coronavirus infection?

If you’ve been infected with COVID-19 and have nasal symptoms such as stuffy nose or sneezing, you may be wondering whether medicated nasal sprays can help. Researchers are still investigating this and whether these sprays are safe for people infected with coronavirus.

A 2021 study found that people who were already using steroid nasal sprays before getting infected with the coronavirus didn’t get as sick as those who didn’t. However, researchers believed there was not enough evidence to support nasal sprays as a treatment or prevention method for the new coronavirus.

If you have coronavirus and are looking for relief from nasal congestion and other symptoms, ask your health care provider if you can use an over-the-counter nasal spray or if they can prescribe it for you. .

Prescription allergy nasal spray

Asterin (Azelastine): A steroid-free antihistamine that relieves nasal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, hay fever, and other allergies (also available over-the-counter in the United States under the name Astepro Allergy for adults and children 6 years and older). (possible) Nasarel (flunisolide): Relieves allergy symptoms such as runny nose and stuffy nose. Sneezing, itching (currently generic only) Nasonex (mometasone): Shrinks nasal polyps, prevents and treats nasal congestion and other allergy symptoms QNASL (beclomethasone): Treats allergy symptoms such as sneezing Zetna/Omnaris (Ciclesonide): Treats itching, runny nose, sneezing Xhance (Fluticasone): Prescription for treatment of nasal polyps Dimista (with fluticasone/azelastine): Treatment of allergic symptoms such as runny nose and itching Patanase (olopatadine): Treatment of allergic symptoms such as itching of the nose and eyes

Other types of nasal sprays

Calcitonin: An osteoporosis drug that controls the amount of calcium in the body and helps maintain proper bone density.
Imitrex (sumatriptan): Reduces migraine attacks with or without aura.
Nicotine nasal spray: smoking cessation device
FluMist: An intranasal influenza vaccine that could only be administered by a medical professional but was recently approved for home administration.

How to use nasal drops

How to use nasal sprays varies slightly depending on the type of spray. If you do not understand the instructions for the product you are using, ask your pharmacist for clarification.

Before using the nasal spray:

Make sure you can breathe through each nostril. If your nostrils are clogged, the medicine can’t reach deep into your nasal passages and be ineffective. Please note that some nasal sprays need to be primed before use. To prepare the nasal spray, spray it into the air several times until a fine mist appears. Please keep away from eyes and others. Store nasal spray according to instructions. Store the bottle away from direct sunlight. Do not share nasal sprays with others. Keep nasal sprays out of reach of children.

Step-by-step instructions for nasal sprays

Here are the steps to use pump bottle nasal spray correctly:

Gently blow your nose to remove mucus from your nasal passages. Wash your hands with soap and water. Shake the nasal spray bottle and remove the cap. If necessary, prime the dispenser before use. Tilt your head slightly forward. Close one nostril by pressing lightly on the side of your nose with your finger. Insert the tip of the nasal spray into the other nostril. Turn the tip toward the back. and the outside of the nose. Aim the spray straight behind your nose, not at the tip of your nose. Hold the nasal spray bottle while breathing slowly through your nose. Remove the tip of the nasal spray from your nostril and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this. Do the following steps for the other nostril as well (if advised). Please follow the instructions and use only the prescribed amount. Wipe the tip of the nasal spray with a tissue or alcohol pad and replace the cap. Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose immediately after using nasal spray.

If you use nasal spray correctly, the medicine will not drip into the back of your nose or throat. However, some nasal sprays may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Drinking water or juice will give you a refreshing aftertaste.

Check expiry date

Never use nasal spray after the expiry date printed on the bottle. Liquid medicines are easily contaminated by dirt and bacteria.

Side effects and risks of nasal sprays

Nasal drops can cause side effects. Common side effects of nasal sprays include:

Burning Bleeding Stinging Increased runny nose Dryness in the nose Sneezing Nervousness Nausea Headache

If mild side effects do not go away or worsen, or if any of the following serious side effects occur, contact your healthcare provider.

Dizziness Insomnia Tremors Vision changes Weakness Shortness of breath Irregular or rapid heartbeat

Use of nasal sprays during pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using nasal sprays, even over-the-counter medications.

There are no specific studies regarding the use of OTC nasal spray products such as Afrin in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, product labels typically include safety warnings for people in these groups.

Can nasal sprays harm your nose?

Nasal drops can constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages and increase blood pressure. This is usually not a concern if your blood pressure is normal. If you usually have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using nasal sprays.

Ellen Lindner / Berrywell


Overuse and rebound congestion

Do not use decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 days without consulting your health care provider. If you use too much nasal spray, it may become less effective and your symptoms may worsen. this is called drug-induced rhinitis Or a rebound jam.

Blood vessels in the nasal tissues narrow (vasoconstriction) Helps relieve nasal congestion and runny nose. This is why certain nasal sprays (such as Afrin and Neosynephrine) can improve these symptoms.

However, if you use nasal sprays too often or for a long period of time, they will become ineffective and you will need to use more to relieve symptoms. If you use too many nasal sprays, you may need a metering device called a rhinostat to stop using the medicine.

Using too many nasal sprays or using them for too long can damage the very delicate tissues of your nose. In severe cases, it can cause a condition called saddle nose deformity (collapse of the bridge of the nose).

Is it possible to overdose on nasal sprays?

Nasal spray overdose is not common, but cases have been reported.

If you intentionally or accidentally use more than the recommended amount, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, headache, and blood pressure changes. In these cases, you should contact a poison control center and seek emergency treatment.

summary

Nasal drops relieve nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergies and colds. Nasal sprays can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or as a prescription from your health care provider. Some medicines, such as vaccines, that are sold in nasal spray form must be administered by a health care provider.

Using nasal sprays for nasal congestion and other symptoms is fine in the short term, but if you use too much nasal spray or use it for too long, it can become ineffective. Using too many nasal sprays can cause nasal congestion due to rebound.

If your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of nasal spray use, if they worsen, or if you have serious side effects, such as blurred vision or dizziness, stop using nasal spray and contact your health care provider. Please.

At Verywell Health, we use only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and authenticity of our content.

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Michael Bihari, MD

Dr. Michael Bihari is a board-certified pediatrician, health educator, medical writer, and president emeritus of the Cape Cod Regional Health Center.

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