Nasatapp Dosing for Nasal Decongestant
For adults and children 6 to under 12 years of age, administer 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 doses in any 24-hour period. 1
Age-Specific Dosing Guidelines
Children Under 6 Years
- Consult a physician before use 1
- Topical nasal decongestants are not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age due to insufficient safety data 2
Children 6 to Under 12 Years (with adult supervision)
- 2 or 3 sprays per nostril 1
- Maximum frequency: every 10 to 12 hours 1
- Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours 1
Adults and Children 12 Years and Older
- 2 or 3 sprays per nostril 1
- Maximum frequency: every 10 to 12 hours 1
- Do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours 1
Proper Administration Technique
- Push firmly down on cap and turn counter-clockwise to open 1
- Squeeze bottle quickly and firmly to spray 1
- Do not tilt head backward while spraying 1
- Wipe nozzle clean after each use 1
- Secure cap after use 1
Critical Duration Limitations
Limit use to 3 days maximum to avoid rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion). 3 While recent evidence suggests oxymetazoline may be safe for up to 7-10 days at recommended doses 4, the concentration and specific formulation of Nasatapp requires adherence to the conservative 3-day guideline to prevent drug-induced rhinitis 3.
Important Safety Considerations
When to Stop Immediately
- Discontinue use immediately if rhinitis medicamentosa develops 3
- The concentration, dose, frequency, and duration determine whether rebound congestion will occur 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not purchase nasal sprays with unknown ingredients from internet or pharmacy sources, as this increases risk of rhinitis medicamentosa 3
- Topical decongestants provide faster and more intense relief than oral agents but have shorter duration and higher rebound risk 5
- Patients should not exceed the labeled duration of use 4
Clinical Context
Nasal decongestants are effective for temporary relief of nasal congestion from influenza, rhinitis, and acute upper respiratory tract infections 3. For patients requiring longer-term management of nasal congestion (beyond 3 days), switch to intranasal corticosteroids, which do not cause rhinitis medicamentosa and are safe for long-term daily use 6.