HOW TO USE A NASAL SPRAY

Nasal Spray’s are commonly used in the treatment of hay fever and other conditions however they can be tricky to administer.  Correct administration technique increases the efficacy and helps to minimise adverse effects such as nasal bleeding from nasal spray use.
 
The following steps are a guide from our Pharmacists
 

• Prime the bottle according to manufacturer’s instructions – this may vary, however, most of the time it involves shaking the bottle and spraying into the air a few times to ensure the spray mechanism is working before use.

 

• Gently shake the bottle before use

 

• Clear nasal passage by gently blowing to remove any mucus (snot) or use a saline irrigation/rinse/spray to thin any mucus out making your nose easier to blow

 

• Tilt your head slightly forward

 

• Using the RIGHT hand for the LEFT nostril put nozzle just inside the nose aiming towards outside wall of the nose, never towards the middle and avoid making contact with the septum (middle part of nose)

 

• Breathe in gently while activating the device. Let the mist fall onto the nasal mucosa rather than sniffing sharply. The sensation of the spray reaching the back of the nose indicates correct technique.

 

• Change hands and repeat process for the other side

 

• Do not sniff hard at the end of administration

 

• Breathe out through the mouth

 

• Wipe the tip of the spray device with a dry tissue and replace the cap on the bottle

 
Note: If you end up tasting the nasal spray in the back of the throat it hasn’t reached the nasal passages properly and the spray may not work to its full effect.
 
Our pharmacists are available for a chat if you have any questions regarding the medicated nasal sprays or nasal spray administration.