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
- Gently blow nose.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other nostril.
- Wipe tip of spray bottle with clean tissue and put the
cap on.
- Avoid blowing nose for 15 minutes after using spray.
How to use the Aerosol (dry) nasal
sprays: Qnasl, Zetonna - Gently blow nose. No shaking of nasal spray needed.
- 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.
- Tilt the spray tip away from the nasal septum
(this will prevent epistaxis). Firmly press the down and hold your breath
for 5 seconds.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other nostril.
- Wipe tip of spray bottle with clean tissue and put the
cap on.
- 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!! |