What to Know About Using a Nasal Spray (2024)

Nasal sprays can treat congestion and other symptoms of seasonal allergies or a cold. They work by delivering a fine mist of medication into your nostrils. And since the lining of your nose is rich with vessels and can easily absorb medications into your bloodstream, nasal sprays can also end up delivering medications to other parts of your body.

Nasal sprays are available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Most products come in a hand-operated pump bottle or squeeze bottle. Knowing how to use a nasal spray is important, as doing it incorrectly could affect the dose you receive.

In this article, you will learn about the different types of nasal sprays and their possible side effects. You’ll also learn the right way to use a nasal spray so you get the best effects.

How Afrin Nasal Spray Works

Types of Nasal Sprays

There are many OTC and prescription nasal sprays to choose from. OTC nasal sprays for congestion and allergies are popular products at pharmacies, groceries, and other retailers.

There are also other nasal sprays that deliver vaccines to prevent illness or medication to help manage it.

OTC Cold and Allergy Nasal Sprays

  • Afrin (oxymetazoline): Relieves nasal congestion from colds and sinus problems
  • NasalCrom (cromolyn): Relieves and prevents symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose, or itching
  • Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine): Relieves nasal congestion from colds and sinus problems
  • Flonase (fluticasone propionate): Treats sneezing and symptoms of hay fever
  • Nasacort (triamcinolone): Treats an itchy or runny nose
  • Rhinocort (budesonide): Steroid medication that prevents inflammation and treats a runny and itchy nose

Are Saline Nasal Sprays Good for Congestion?

Can I Use OTC Nasal Sprays for COVID?

If you have COVID-19 and have nasal symptoms like congestion and sneezing, you might wonder if a medicated nasal spray would be helpful. Researchers are still looking into this and whether these sprays are safe for people with COVID.

One study in 2021 found that people who were already using steroid nasal sprays before they got COVID didn’t get as sick as people who weren’t using them. However, the researchers did not think there was enough evidence to support nasal sprays as a treatment for COVID or as a way to prevent COVID.

If you have COVID and are looking for relief from nasal congestion and other symptoms, ask your provider if you can use an OTC nasal spray or if they can prescribe one for you.

Nasal Sprays Could Protect You From Serious COVID-19 Illness

Prescription Allergy Nasal Sprays

  • Astelin (azelastine): A steroid-free antihistamine that reduces nasal allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, hay fever, or other allergies (also available OTC in the U.S.under the name Astepro Allergy for adults and children ages 6 years and older)
  • Nasarel (flunisolide): Relieves allergy symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose; sneezing, and itching (now available only as a generic)
  • Nasonex (mometasone): Shrinks nasal polyps and prevents and treats stuffy nose and other allergy symptoms
  • QNASL (beclomethasone): Treats allergy symptoms, such as sneezing
  • Zetonna/Omnaris (ciclesonide): Treats itchy and runny nose, and sneezing
  • Xhance (fluticasone): Prescribed to treat nasal polyps
  • Dymista (fluticasone/azelastine combination): Treats allergy symptoms, such as a runny and itchy nose
  • Patanase (olopatadine): Treats allergy symptoms, such as itchy nose and eyes

Best Nasal Spray for Allergies

Other Types of Nasal Sprays

  • Fortical (calcitonin): Treatment for osteoporosis that controls the amount of calcium in the body and helps maintain proper bone density
  • Imitrex (sumatriptan): Relieves attacks of migraine with or without an aura
  • Nicotine nasal sprays: Smoking-cessation device
  • FluMist: Intranasal influenza vaccine that can only be given by a healthcare professional

How to Use Nasal Spray

Instructions on how to use a nasal spray differ somewhat depending on the type of spray. If you don’t understand the instructions for the product you’re using, ask your pharmacist to walk you through them.

Before using a nasal spray:

  • Make sure you can breathe through each nostril. If your nostril is blocked, the medication won’t go deep enough into the nasal passage to work.
  • Know that some nasal sprays need to be primed before use. To prime your nasal spray, squirt it a few times into the air until a fine mist comes out. Keep it away from your eyes and others.
  • Store your nasal spray as directed. Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight. Don’t share your nasal spray with other people. Keep nasal sprays where children cannot reach them.

When you’re ready to use a nasal spray, sniff gently—like you’re smelling your favorite food or a flower. Do not snort the spray. This can cause the medication to bypass your nasal passage and go straight into your throat.

Step-by-Step Nasal Spray Instructions

Here are the steps for using a pump-bottle nasal spray correctly:

  1. Blow your nose gently to remove mucus from your nasal passages.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  3. Gently shake the bottle of nasal spray and remove the cap. If needed, prime the dispenser before using it.
  4. Tilt your head slightly forward.
  5. Close one nostril by gently pressing against the side of your nose with your finger.
  6. Insert the tip of the nasal spray into the other nostril.
  7. Point the tip toward the back and outer side of your nose. Make sure to direct the spray straight back, not up into the tip of your nose.
  8. Squeeze the nasal spray bottle as you slowly breathe in through your nose.
  9. Remove the tip of the nasal spray from your nostril and breatheout through your mouth.
  10. Repeat these steps for your other nostril (if advised). Follow the directions and use only the recommended amount of medication.
  11. Wipe the tip of the nasal spray with a tissue or alcohol pad and put the cap back on.
  12. Try to avoid sneezing or blowing your nose immediately after using the nasal spray.

If you’re using a nasal spray the right way, the medication should not drip down your nose or the back of your throat. However, some nasal sprays may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. A drink of water or juice should help clear the aftertaste.

Check Expiration Dates

Never use a nasal spray after the expiration date on the bottle. Liquid medication can easily be contaminated with dirt or bacteria.

Nasal Spray Side Effects and Risks

What to Know About Using a Nasal Spray (1)

Nasal sprays can cause side effects. Common side effects of nasal sprays include:

  • Burning
  • Bleeding
  • Stinging
  • Increased runny nose
  • Dryness in the nose
  • Sneezing
  • Nervousness
  • Nausea
  • Headache

If mild side effects don’t go away or get worse, or if you have any of the following serious side effects, call your provider:

  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Vision changes
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat

What Are the Side Effects of Steroid Nasal Sprays?

Nasal Spray Use During Pregnancy and Nursing

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your provider before using nasal spray—even one that’s OTC.

There have not been specific studies on using OTC nasal spray products such as Afrin in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, the product labels usually include warnings for people in these groups just to be safe.

How to Safely Treat Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy

Overuse and Rebound Congestion

Do not use a decongestant nasal spray for more than three days. Overusing nasal sprays makes them less effective and may even make your symptoms worse. This is called rhinitis medicamentosa or rebound congestion.

The narrowing of blood vessels in the nasal tissues (vasoconstriction) helps decrease congestion and fluid in the nose. This is why certain nasal sprays (like Afrin and Neo-Synephrine) make these symptoms better.

However, if you use nasal sprays too often or for a long time, they will stop working and you will need to use more to get relief. If you overuse nasal sprays, you might need a metered-dose device called a Rhinostat to wean you off the medication.

Can You Use Afrin Too Much?

Summary

Nasal sprays can relieve congestion and other symptoms of allergies and colds. You can get nasal sprays over-the-counter (OTC) or as a prescription from your provider. Some medications that come in nasal spray form, like vaccines, must be given to you by a provider.

While using a nasal spray for congestion or other symptoms can be OK in the short term, if you use nasal sprays too much or for you too long, they can stop working. Overusing nasal sprays can also lead to rebound congestion.

If you have been using a nasal spray for three days and your symptoms aren’t any better, they’re getting worse, or you have serious side effects like trouble with your vision or dizziness, stop using the nasal spray and call your provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it OK to use nasal spray every day?

    Do not use a nasal spray for longer than three days without talking to your healthcare provider.

  • Can nasal spray damage your nose?

    Using nasal spray too much or for a long time may damage the tissues of your nose, which are very delicate. In severe cases, it can cause a condition called saddle nose deformity (a collapsed nasal bridge).

  • Can nasal spray cause high blood pressure?

    Nasal sprays cause the blood vessels in your nasal passages to narrow, which can make your blood pressure go up. This is usually not a concern if you have normal blood pressure. If your blood pressure is typically high, ask your provider before using any nasal spray.

  • Can you overdose on nasal spray?

    Overdosing on nasal spray is not common but cases have been reported.

    If you use more than the recommended amount—either on purpose or by accident—you may have symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, headache, and changes in your blood pressure. If this happens, you should call poison control and seek emergency care.

    Learn MoreHow to Recognize and Treat Poisoning

Are OTC Steroid Nasal Sprays Safe?

6 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Strauss R, Jawhari N, Attaway AH, et al. Intranasal corticosteroids are associated with better outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(11):3934-3940.e9. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2021.08.007

  2. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Oxymetazoline nasal spray.

  3. National Library of Medicine: DailyMed. AFRIN ORIGINAL- oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray [drug label].

  4. Mortuaire G, De Gabory L, François M, et al.Rebound congestion and rhinitis medicamentosa: nasal decongestants in clinical practice. Critical review of the literature by a medical panel. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2013;130(3):137-144. doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2012.09.005

  5. Brake DA, Hamilton GS 3rd, Bansberg SF. Nasal septal perforation due to desmopressin nasal spray use. Ear Nose Throat J. Published online July 8, 2021. doi:10.1177/01455613211026425

  6. Latham GJ, Jardine DS. Oxymetazoline and hypertensive crisis in a child: can we prevent it?.Paediatr Anaesth. 2013;23(10):952-956. doi:10.1111/pan.12192

By Michael Bihari, MD
Michael Bihari, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, health educator, and medical writer, and president emeritus of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod.

See Our Editorial Process

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What to Know About Using a Nasal Spray (2024)

FAQs

What to Know About Using a Nasal Spray? ›

To use your nasal spray properly, it's important to make sure to point the spray toward the back of your nose so the medicine makes it into your sinuses. “Steer away from the midline of your nasal cavity when you squirt it in,” Dr. Aronica says.

Is there a wrong way to use nasal spray? ›

To use your nasal spray properly, it's important to make sure to point the spray toward the back of your nose so the medicine makes it into your sinuses. “Steer away from the midline of your nasal cavity when you squirt it in,” Dr. Aronica says.

How do I know if I used nasal spray right? ›

Aim straight. Point the nozzle of the nasal spray container toward the back of your head. If you don't spray straight, you will waste the medicine and may cause more irritation in your nose. If the pump spray is used correctly, the spray should not drip from your nose or down the back of your throat.

When not to use nasal spray? ›

If you use a medicated decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 days in a row, you may develop rebound rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) when you do stop. This condition can cause prolonged sinus congestion. It may even damage your nasal passages over time. RM can be quite uncomfortable.

Is it okay if nasal spray goes down the throat? ›

If nasal spray goes down your throat, it is generally safe and unlikely to cause harm. However, some people may experience mild and temporary symptoms such as throat irritation. Nasal sprays can help with allergies by reducing inflammation and relieving congestion.

Are you supposed to sniff when using nasal spray? ›

Be sure you can sniff air through each nostril before spraying. Otherwise the medicine will be wasted because it will not go deep into your nose. Aim straight. Point the nozzle of the nasal spray container toward the back of your head.

Are you supposed to breathe in when using nasal spray? ›

And take a minute to learn how FLONASE Allergy Relief can provide relief from nasal congestion, plus sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and runny nose. Breathe in easily. As you spray, just inhale gently—that's all you need to do. Breathe out gently through your mouth after each spray.

Is it better to use nasal spray at night or in the morning? ›

GOOD NIGHT.

Is it better to use FLONASE at night? In short, no. One daily dose of FLONASE Allergy Relief delivers 24-hour relief from your worst allergy symptoms. So, even if you take it in the morning, you're still covered for all night long, without pesky allergy symptoms.

How long does nasal spray take to kick in? ›

Most achieve relief within 12 hours of starting their FLONASE nasal spray. But remember, it's important to keep using it every day during allergy season as it takes three to four days before any FLONASE nasal spray builds up to full effectiveness—which means once a day allergy symptom relief.

What is the warning for nasal spray? ›

Do not use more often, use more sprays, or use longer than directed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Also, do not use this medication for more than 3 days or it may cause a condition called rebound congestion.

Is it better to use nasal spray or not? ›

If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice. Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse. Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.

How to unclog a nose fast? ›

If not, use these tips to breathe easier.
  1. Nasal Wash. Rinse the inside of your nose with a nasal irrigation kit or neti pot to soften, loosen, and wash out mucus and instantly relieve your stuffy head. ...
  2. Steam. ...
  3. Chicken Soup. ...
  4. Devices. ...
  5. Decongestants. ...
  6. Peppermint.
Feb 22, 2023

Is it okay to lay down after nasal spray? ›

Inserting the entire nasal spray applicator into the nose. Angling the nasal spray toward the septum. Sniffing too hard, tilting your head back, or lying down immediately afterward. These techniques will all cause the medicine to drain down the back of your throat, reducing its effectiveness.

What happens if you put too much nasal spray in your nose? ›

Overuse of nasal sprays can also lead to other side effects, including headache, coughing, nasal passage swelling (inflammation), increased risk of sinus infection, and, rarely, tears in the nostril membranes. Don't let that scare you from getting the relief you need.

What happens if you tilt your head back using nasal spray? ›

Tilting your head backward

The main issue is that the medicine is needed in your sinuses. If you tilt your head backward, the spray will drip down the back of your throat.

Are you supposed to inhale while using nasal spray? ›

Lean forward slightly, press and close the nostril you are not treating. If instructed, inhale gently through the other nostril as you release the spray. Some nasal sprays do not require you to inhale; others may recommend you lean your head back instead of forward. Exhale through your mouth.

How to use nasal spray without swallowing it? ›

Insert tip of spray bottle into one nostril, blocking the other nostril gently with the other hand. Relax and breathe out slowly. Squeeze the pump with your index and middle finger and breathe in slowly, just enough to keep the medication in place. Repeat steps 3 to 5 in the other nostril.

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