Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesBasics of UseSide Effects/RisksOveruse ConcernFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Basics of Use
Side Effects/Risks
Overuse Concern
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Are Saline Nasal Sprays Good for Congestion?
Can I Use OTC Nasal Sprays for COVID?
If you have COVID-19 and havenasal symptomslike 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
Best Nasal Spray for Allergies
Other Types of Nasal Sprays
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:
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Here are the steps for using a pump-bottle nasal spray correctly:
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 DatesNever use a nasal spray after the expiration date on the bottle. Liquid medication can easily be contaminated with dirt or bacteria.
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.
Using Allergy Nasal Sprays
Nasal Spray Side Effects and Risks
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
Nasal sprays can cause side effects. Common side effects of nasal sprays include:
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:
What Are the Side Effects of Steroid Nasal Sprays?
Nasal Spray Use During Pregnancy and Nursing
Ifyou are pregnantor 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 adecongestantnasal spray for more than three days.Overusing nasal sprays makes them less effective and may even make your symptoms worse. This is calledrhinitis medicamentosaorrebound 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 aRhinostatto wean you off the medication.
Can You Use Afrin Too Much?
Summary
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.
Do not use a nasal spray for longer than three days without talking to your healthcare provider.
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).
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.
Overdosing on nasal spray is not common but cases have been reported.
Learn MoreHow to Recognize and Treat Poisoning
Are OTC Steroid Nasal Sprays Safe?
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tai J, Han M, Lee D, Park IH, Lee SH, Kim TH.Different methods and formulations of drugs and vaccines for nasal administration.Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(5):1073. Published 2022 May 17. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14051073
Williamson S, Dennison L, Greenwell K, et al.Using nasal sprays to prevent respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study of online consumer reviews and primary care patient interviews.BMJ Open. 2022;12(6):e059661. Published 2022 Jun 30. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059661
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
American Family Physician.Nasal Sprays: How to use them correctly.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Don’t be tempted to use expired medicines.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Oxymetazoline nasal spray.
National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.AFRIN ORIGINAL- oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray.
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
Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Don’t let decongestants squeeze your heart.
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
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