Directions for Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays deliver medicine to your body via the blood vessels in your nose. Nasal spray, which comes in a pump or a pressurized canister, contains medicine either in solution or in suspension that you spray into your nostrils. Whether you are using a pump or a pressurized canister, you need to use nasal spray properly to make sure you are getting the medicine into your body.

Pump Nasal Spray

Before you use a pump nasal spray, blow your nose to get rid of any excess mucus. Then remove the cap of the nasal spray bottle, shake the botle, and "prime" it by squirting out a drop or two of the medication (to make sure there are no air bubbles), recommends the American Academy of Family Physicians. After you have primed the pump bottle, tilt your head forward a little, bending at the waist and keeping your neck straight, then, hold the pump bottle with your middle and index fingers on top and your thumb at the bottom. Close the nostril you are not using, breathe out through your nose slowly, then while breathing in through your nose slowly insert the tip of the pump bottle into your nostril and squeeze the bottle. Repeat these steps for the other nostril.

Pressurized Nasal Spray

The directions for using a pressurized nasal spray are the same as for a pump nasal spray, except for how the medication comes out, according to NetDoctor.co.uk. Pressurized nasal sprays deliver a mist, Instead of a liquid, into your nostril for as long as you hold the nozzle down. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions for how much of this medication you need, or you risk overdosing.

Side Effects

Some possible side effects of using nasal sprays could include nosebleeds, and an unpleasant taste in the back of your throat as the spray drains out of your sinuses. To remedy the nosebleeds the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a saline spray before you use your medication. Also, if you use the nasal spray correctly, you should not have any excess dripping into your throat to create that unpleasant taste. Make sure you can breathe in and out of your nose before using the medication; otherwise you are wasting the dosage.

Nasal Spray Addiction

Some nasal sprays contain steroids or antihistamines to help relieve congestion as the medication is delivered. If you become dependent on your nasal spray and cannot go a day without using it, you might be addicted. If you feel that you need to use a nasal sprays after your prescription is finished, and if you begin to habitually rely on saline nasal sprays, consult your doctor about how to overcome this dependency. Prolonged use of nasal sprays is not advised for your nostrils or sinuses.

Important Tips

NetDoctor.co.uk recommends cleaning your nasal spray bottle at least once a week to keep contaminants away from the tip (and from getting into your nose). It also recommends not sneezing or blowing your nose after a dosage, because you risk blowing out the medication. It is important to aim the nozzle straight when delivering your medication, otherwise you waste the dosage. The tip of your canister should be straight in your nostril and pointing up toward the back of your head. Finally, as you use your nasal spray it can take up to two weeks before you notice a change. This is normal, and you should use your medication as directed by your doctor.