What is the purpose of a nasal spray?

From the Guidelines

Nasal sprays are primarily used to deliver medication directly to the nasal passages, providing relief from various nasal conditions such as allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps, by reducing inflammation, congestion, and other symptoms. The purpose of a nasal spray can vary depending on its active ingredient and formulation, with options including steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) for allergic rhinitis, and saline nasal sprays for moisturizing and clearing nasal passages 1.

Key Considerations for Nasal Spray Use

• When using a nasal spray, it is essential to follow proper administration techniques to ensure efficacy and minimize side effects, such as gently blowing the nose first, shaking the bottle if required, and aiming the spray toward the outer wall of the nostril, away from the septum 2.
• Patients should be advised to prime the bottle before first use, shake the bottle prior to spraying, and keep the head in an upright position during administration 2.
• Breathing in gently or slowly during spraying can help the medication reach deeper into the nasal passages, and the opposite nostril should not be closed to prevent pushing the septum to the side of the spray 2.

Recommendations for Specific Patient Groups

• Special attention should be given to patients with physical limitations, such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, who may have difficulties using certain nasal spray devices 2.
• Children and patients with certain comorbidities may require additional guidance and demonstration on proper nasal spray use, and repeating the teaching procedure periodically can help ensure long-term correct use 2.

Choosing the Right Nasal Spray

• For allergic rhinitis, steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) are recommended, using 1-2 sprays in each nostril once daily 1.
• Saline nasal sprays are safe for long-term use and can help moisturize nasal passages and clear allergens or irritants 1.
• Decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin), can provide quick relief for congestion but should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP is an effective, allergy medicine that you can buy without a prescription. It works directly in the nose to help block your allergic reactions. Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP relieves allergy symptoms caused by pollen, mold, dust and pets. The purpose of a nasal spray, specifically Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP, is to relieve allergy symptoms caused by allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, and pets by working directly in the nose to block allergic reactions 3.

• It is used to treat symptoms like sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
• The nasal spray should be used daily as long as the user is exposed to allergens that bother them.
• It is essential to follow the directions for use to get the best results and to avoid potential interactions with other medicines 4.

From the Research

Purpose of Nasal Sprays

The purpose of nasal sprays can be understood by examining their various uses, including:

• Treatment of allergic rhinitis, with nasal steroids being as safe and effective as antihistamines in controlling symptoms of rhinitis 5
• Relief of nasal congestion, sinus pain, and pressure, with fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray providing significant relief of these symptoms 6
• Provision of fast-acting and efficacious treatment for rhinitis, with azelastine nasal spray having a rapid onset of action and improving nasal symptoms such as nasal congestion and post-nasal drip 7
• Decongestant properties, with oxymetazoline (0.05%) providing relief of nasal symptoms for 12 hours 8
• Reduction of rebound congestion, with concomitant use of nasal steroid sprays such as budesonide aqueous nasal spray 9

Types of Nasal Sprays

Different types of nasal sprays are available, including:

• Steroid nasal sprays, such as fluticasone propionate and budesonide, which are effective in controlling symptoms of rhinitis 5, 6, 9
• Antihistamine nasal sprays, such as azelastine, which have a rapid onset of action and improve nasal symptoms 7
• Decongestant nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline, which provide fast symptom relief but can have rebound effects if used for extended periods 8, 9

Benefits and Side Effects

The benefits and side effects of nasal sprays can be understood by examining the following points:

• Nasal sprays can provide significant relief of nasal symptoms, including congestion, sinus pain, and pressure 7, 6, 8
• However, improper use of nasal sprays, such as steroid sprays, can lead to side effects such as rebound congestion 5, 9
• Correct dosing technique and understanding of potential complications are essential for safe and effective use of nasal sprays 5, 7