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| Nasal spray | |
|---|---|
 Actuation of a nasalspray bottle, used to deliver medication via thenostrils | |
| Other names | nasal drops |
Nasal sprays are used to deliver medicationslocally in thenasal cavities orsystemically. They are used locally for conditions such asnasal congestion andallergic rhinitis. In some situations, thenasal delivery route is preferred for systemic therapy because it provides an agreeable alternative to injection or pills. Substances can be assimilated extremely quickly and directly through the nose.[1][unreliable medical source?] Many pharmaceutical drugs exist as nasal sprays for systemic administration (e.g.sedative-analgesics, treatments formigraine,osteoporosis andnausea). Other applications includehormone replacement therapy, treatment ofAlzheimer's disease andParkinson's disease. Nasal sprays are seen as a more efficient way of transporting drugs with potential use in crossing the blood–brain barrier.
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Antihistamines work by competing for receptor sites to block the function of histamine, thereby reducing the inflammatory effect. Antihistamine nasal sprays include:
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can be used to relieve the symptoms ofsinusitis,hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis. They can reduce inflammation and histamine production in the nasal passages, and have been shown to relievenasal congestion,runny nose, itchy nose andsneezing.[2] Side effects may includeheadaches,nausea andnose bleeds.[citation needed] Corticosteroid nasal sprays include:
Saline sprays are typically non-medicated. A mist ofsaline solution containingsodium chloride is delivered to help moisturize dry or irritated nostrils. This is a form ofnasal irrigation. They can also relieve nasal congestion and remove airborne irritants such as pollen and dust thereby providing sinus allergy relief.
Three types of nasal sprays preparations of sodium chloride are available including hypertonic (3% sodium chloride orsea water), isotonic (0.9% sodium chloride) and hypotonic (0.65% sodium chloride). Isotonic solutions have the same salt concentration as the human body, whereas hypertonic solutions have a higher salt content and hypotonic solutions have a lower salt content. Isotonic saline nasal sprays are commonly used in infants and children to wash out the thickmucus from the nose in case ofallergic rhinitis. Hypertonic solutions may be more useful at drawing moisture from themucous membrane and relieving nasal congestion.
Natural nasal sprays that include chemical complexes derived from plant sources such asginger,capsaicin andtea-tree oil are also available. There is however no trial-verified evidence that they have a measurable effect on symptoms.
Decongestant nasal sprays are availableover-the-counter in many countries. They work to very quickly open up nasal passages by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose. Prolonged use of these types of sprays can damage the delicate mucous membranes in the nose. This causes increased inflammation, an effect known asrhinitis medicamentosa or therebound effect. Decongestant nasal sprays are advised for short-term use only, preferably 5 to 7 days at maximum. Some doctors advise to use them 3 days at maximum. A recent clinical trial has shown that a corticosteroid nasal spray may be useful in reversing this condition.[3] Topical nasal decongestants include:
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Azelastine hydrochloride | Antihistamine |
| Fluticasone propionate | Corticosteroid |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Dymista |
| License data | |
| Routes of administration | Nasal |
| ATC code |
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| Legal status | |
| Legal status | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| KEGG | |
Combination use of two medications are available as nasal sprays.
List of some combination nasal sprays:
In some countries, Dymista is marketed byViatris after Upjohn merged with Mylan to create Viatris.[7][8]
In 2022, the combination azelastine/fluticasone was the 299th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 300,000 prescriptions.[9][10]
Media related toNasal sprays at Wikimedia Commons
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