Long Acting Nasal Decongestants
Patient Counselling
- Long acting nasal sprays last approximately 12 hours and should start to work after 5-10 minutes.
- Although some evidence suggests that 10 days of use does not cause rebound rhinitis, therapy should not be used longer then 3-5 days1.
- Common adverse events during administration are burning, itching, stinging and dryness of the nasal mucosa1.
Administration
- To administer the medication, first the nose should be blown gently. Next, gently shake the bottle and remove the cap.
- With the head held upright spray the medication into one nostril while holding the other nostril closed.
- The bottle should be squeezed quickly but the breath in should be done slowly.
- Remove the tip of the devise from the nostril and breathe out though the mouth.
- Repeat for other nostril.
- Blow nose in 3-5 minutes(1).
References
McLeod PJ, Allen M, Conly J (Eds.). 2010. Patient Self-Care 2nd Edition. Toronto, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.