Test Your Knowledge

Nasal sprays are used to treat symptoms of both allergies and colds. Typically, they relieve symptoms such as runny or itchy nose, sneezing and congestion. Like other allergy medications, nasal sprays are divided into two categories:

• Controller medications. Patients take these on an ongoing basis to prevent symptoms from appearing. Examples include antihistamines, cromolyn sodium and corticosteroids. Some of these prescription nasal sprays may take up to two weeks before the full effects will be evident.
  
  
• Reliever medications. Patients take these over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat symptoms after they appear. These include decongestants and anticholinergics.

Nasal sprays can be a preferred method of treatment because they directly target the source of symptoms. For this reason, they are less likely than orally ingested medications to cause side effects to other areas of the body.

There are two major delivery methods for nasal sprays and their directions for use are different. They are:

• Pump bottle (metered-dose spray).
  
  
• • Blow nose.
    
    
  • Shake bottle. Prime pump if necessary by squirting until a fine mist emerges.
    
    
  • Hold pump bottle with thumb on bottom and index and middle fingers on top.
    
    
  • Insert nosepiece into one nostril. Use a finger to close the other nostril.
    
    
  • Aim towards the eye, not towards the middle of the nose (nasal septum).
    
    
  • Tilt head forward and slowly breathe out.
    
    
  • Breathe in slowly and spray.
    
    
  • Repeat in other nostril.
    
    
  • Try not to sneeze or blow the nose just after using the spray.
    
    
• Pressurized canister.
  
  
• • Blow nose.
    
    
  • Shake the canister several times.
    
    
  • Insert nosepiece into one nostril. Use a finger to close the other nostril.
    
    
  • Keep head upright and slowly breathe out.
    
    
  • Breathe in slowly and spray.
    
    
  • Repeat in other nostril.
    
    
  • Try not to sneeze or blow the nose just after using the spray.

The spray should not drip from the nose or down the back of the throat. This indicates that the patient is using the device incorrectly. It is also important to note that patients should not use a nasal spray unless they can breathe air through each nostril. The medication will prove less effective or ineffective in this situation because it will not be able to reach deep inside the nose.

Additional tips for proper use of nasal sprays include:

• Wash the canister or bottle at least once a week.
  
  
• Stop using the spray if pain or bleeding develops. Patients experiencing nose pain, a stinging sensation or nosebleeds should cease taking the medication for one to two days.
  
  
• Nasal spray is intended only for use in the nose. Do not swallow the medication.
  
  
• Avoid spraying the medication into the eyes.
  
  
• Use nasal sprays exactly as directed by a physician. Using a nasal spray more frequently than recommended can worsen symptoms.
  
  
• Be patient. It may take up to two weeks for a nasal spray to take full effect. Do not stop using the drug, or begin using more of the drug, without first discussing it with a physician.  

As with any medication, nasal sprays should be stored properly to make sure they maintain their effectiveness and for safety. Tips for proper storage of nasal sprays include:

• Store medication away from heat and direct light.
  
  
• Do not let nasal spray freeze or become too cold, which lessens effectiveness.
  
  
• Do not puncture, break or burn nasal spray container, even when empty.
  
  
• Throw away outdated medication (expiration date should be on label).
  
  
• Keep all medications out of the reach of children.