You just picked up your prescription nasal spray and are excited to start down the path to relief from sneezing, stuffiness, drainage, and itching associated with allergic rhinitis. However, when you take the nasal spray out of the box you realize you are not too sure how to use it correctly.  You were warned that epistaxis (nose bleeds) can be a side effect.  Below is a set of guidelines on not only how to prime (get it ready for use) your nasal spray, but also how to use it correctly to prevent epistaxis.

Priming: Getting the nasal spray ready to use if it is new or has not been used for more than 7 days.

• Aqueous:  Shake the bottle gently and remove cap from bottle. Hold bottle, with your index and middle finger on either side of the spray tip and your thumb on the bottom of the bottle. Press down and release pump several times until a fine mist appears. The spray is now ready to use.

• Aerosol:  Hold the canister with your index finger on the top and your thumb on the bottom of the nasal inhaler.  Press down 4 times.  It is ready to use.  No shaking necessary. If no use after 7 days, prime with 2 puffs.
  

How to use the Aqueous (watery) nasal spray: Nasonex, Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort, Veramyst, Dymista

1. Gently blow nose.
2. Hold spray as described above. Gently shake the bottle, and place the spray tip in one of the nostrils. Use other finger to close the other nostril.
3. Tilt the spray tip away from the nasal septum (this will prevent epistaxis). Firmly press the pump while gently breathing in through the nose, then out through the mouth.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other nostril.
5. Wipe tip of spray bottle with clean tissue and put the cap on.
6. Avoid blowing nose for 15 minutes after using spray.

How to use the Aerosol (dry) nasal sprays:  Qnasl, Zetonna

1. Gently blow nose. No shaking of nasal spray needed.
2. Hold spray as described above for aerosol. Place the spray tip in one of the nostrils. Use other index finger to close the other nostril.
3. Tilt the spray tip away from the nasal septum (this will prevent epistaxis). Firmly press the down and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other nostril.
5. Wipe tip of spray bottle with clean tissue and put the cap on.
6. Avoid blowing nose for 15 minutes after using spray.

If you need a visual aid on how to prime and use your nasal spray visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQbyC5cpEQI.  For specific instruction on Qnasl, go to http://qnasl.com/Content/pdf/PIL.pdf

Happy trails to relief!!