OTC And Rx Nasal Sprays - When Should You Use Them?

There are five types of nasal sprays you can use to help with allergies and congestion. I am going to list all five, but we are only going to discuss three today.

• Steroids - See below.

• Antihistamines - See below.

• Steroid/Antihistamine combinations - See below.

• Salt water rinses - For later.

• Decongestants (Afrin etc.) - For later.

Steroid Nasal Sprays

These include Flonase (fluticasone), Nasacort (triamcinolone), Rhinocort (budesonide), Nasonex (mometasone), Qnasal (beclomethasone).

These work best if they are used daily during your allergy season/s. For some patients, that means they might use them for 2 months in the spring only. Other patients may need them for several different seasons or even year-round. The important thing is that when you choose to use them, use them daily. They aren't as effective if you just use them on your bad days. I tell patients that these medications put a coating in your nose and you have to reapply the coating daily. Though not technically accurate this seems to resonate with them.

Another trick is to start steroid nasal sprays a couple of weeks before your bad allergy season/s. That way you get a head start on the season.

Antihistamine Nasal Sprays

These include Astepro (azelastine) and Patanase (olopatadine).

In contrast to nasal steroid sprays, it's ok to use antihistamine nasal sprays as needed. For severe allergy sufferers, daily use may be necessary. It's fine to take antihistamine nasal sprays at the same time you are using nasal steroid sprays. Most patients will use their nasal steroids daily and add in an antihistamine spray on the days their symptoms get worse. It's OK to use these medications back to back. You don't have to separate their application by any length of time.

Steroid/Antihistamine Combinations (Rx Only)

These include Dymista (fluticasone/azelastine) and Ryaltris (mometasone/olopatadine).

Combination medications allow some flexibility in how you use them. If you have particular seasons that are severe, use them twice a day as per the directions. If you are having mild to moderate symptoms, you can get by using these sprays as needed.

Where can you find the above medications in the US?

Over the counter:

• Flonase (fluticasone)

• Nasacort (triamcinolone)

• Rhinocort (budesonide)

• Nasonex (mometasone)

• Astepro (azelastine)

By Prescription:

• Patanase (olopatadine)

• Dymista (fluticasone/azelastine)

• Ryaltris (mometasone/olopatadine)

• Qnasal (beclamethasone)

Till next week,
Jim Atkins, MD, Follow me on Twitter.

P.S.

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