How do I correctly use budesonide nasal spray?

How to Use Budesonide Nasal Spray

To correctly use budesonide nasal spray, shake the bottle vigorously, keep your head upright, use your right hand to spray the left nostril (and vice versa) to aim away from the nasal septum, breathe in slowly while activating the spray, and do not close the opposite nostril during administration. 1

Preparation Before Use

• Gently blow your nose before administering the spray to clear nasal passages 1
• Shake the nasal spray bottle vigorously before each use—this is critical because budesonide is formulated as a suspension containing thixotropic agents, and shaking decreases viscosity to create the fine mist needed for proper nasal deposition 1
• Prime the bottle before first use according to package instructions 1

Proper Administration Technique

Head and Body Position

• Keep your head in an upright position throughout the administration—do not tilt your head back or to the side 1

Hand Position (Critical for Safety)

• Use the contralateral hand technique: Hold the spray bottle in your right hand to spray the left nostril, and use your left hand to spray the right nostril 1
• This technique aims the spray away from the nasal septum, which reduces the risk of epistaxis (nosebleeds) by four times and reduces the likelihood of quitting therapy by three times compared to using the same-side hand 1
• In rare cases, improper technique can even lead to septal perforation 1

Spray Application

• Gently insert the nozzle tip into one nostril 1
• Aim the spray tip away from the nasal septum toward the outer wall of the nostril 1
• Do NOT close the opposite nostril during spraying—this prevents pushing the septum toward the side receiving the spray 1
• Breathe in slowly or gently while activating the spray 1
• Apply the number of sprays recommended by your doctor (typically 2 sprays per nostril twice daily or 4 sprays per nostril once in the morning for patients ≥6 years) 1

After Administration

• Remove the nozzle and breathe out through your mouth 1
• Repeat the same steps in the other nostril 1

Important Timing Considerations

• If using nasal saline irrigations, perform them BEFORE using budesonide spray to avoid rinsing out the medication 1
• Budesonide has an onset of action within 12 hours for symptom relief, with full effect typically within 48 hours 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never share nasal spray devices with others to minimize infection transmission risk 1
• Avoid using the same-side hand (ipsilateral technique), as this significantly increases epistaxis risk 1
• Do not tilt your head back—this is a common mistake that reduces proper drug deposition 1
• Do not skip shaking the bottle, as this compromises the medication's effectiveness 1

Special Populations Requiring Extra Attention

• Patients with arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or coordination difficulties may struggle with proper technique and require demonstration with a placebo device 1
• Children aged 5-16 years benefit significantly from animated cartoon demonstrations rather than oral instructions alone, and periodic re-teaching is recommended to ensure long-term correct use 1
• Elderly patients and those with lower education or socioeconomic status have higher rates of handling errors and need special attention during instruction 1

Expected Side Effects

• Common side effects include epistaxis (nosebleeds), pharyngitis, bronchospasm, coughing, and nasal irritation 1
• These are generally mild and often related to improper technique 1