Nasal Sprays for Allergies

There are many different types of nasal sprays that can be used for the treatment and symptomatic management of allergic rhinitis. Many of these are discussed in more detail below.

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Azelastine

Azelastine (Astelin) nasal spray is an antihistamine medication, which is useful in the management of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis for individuals over the age of 5 years. It can also be used to manage non-allergic/vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis in individuals over 12 years. The dosage is as follows:

• 5-11 years: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
• 12+ years: 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day

Azelastine is also available in combination with fluticasone propionate, under the brand name Dymista. This combination is indicated for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in individuals over 12 years. The standard dose is 1 spray in each nostril twice a day.

Astepro

Astepro is an antihistamine medication that is used in the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis for individuals over the age of 12 years. The usual dose is 1-2 sprays in each nostril twice a day.

Beclomethasone Diproprionate

Beclomethasone diproprionate is a dry nasal spray containing a steroid medication. It can be used in the treatment of seasonal and perennial nasal allergies for individuals over the age of 12 years. The recommended dose is 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day.

Budesonide

Budesonide (Rhinocort) is a steroidal nasal spray that can be used in the treatment of seasonal and continual allergic rhinitis for children and adults over the age of 5. The dosage is as follows:

• 6-11 years: 1-2 sprays in each nostril
• 12+ years: 1-4 sprays in each nostril

Ciclesonide

Ciclesonide nasal spray contains a steroidal medication. It is used in the management of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis for patients aged 6 years or older, or for perennial seasonal rhinitis for patients over 12 years. It is available under two brand names:

• Omnaris: 2 sprays in each nostril once a day for all ages.
• Zetonna: 1 spray in each nostril once a day for all ages (only 12+ years)

Cromolyn Sodium

Cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom) nasal spray is a type of drug known as a mast cell inhibitor and helps to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It can be used in children over the age of two years, with a dose of 1 spray in each nostril every 4-6 hours.

Flunisolide

Flunisolide is a steroidal nasal spray that can be used in the management of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis. It is suitable for use by individuals aged 6 years or older, according to the following dosing:

• 6-14 years: 1 spray in each nostril 3 times a day, or 2 sprays twice a day
• 15+ years: 1-2 sprays in each nostril 2-4 times a day

Fluticasone

Fluticasone furoate (Veramyst) nasal spray is indicated for the management of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms. It may be used for children age 2 years or older, according to the following dosage recommendations:

• 2-11 years: 1 spray in each nostril once a day
• 12+ years: 2 sprays in each nostril once a day

Fluticasone propionate (Flonase) nasal spray can also be used for the management of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis symptoms. The standard dose for all individuals aged 4 years or older is 1 spray in each nostril once a day, although 2 sprays can be used for short periods of time.

Ipratropium Bromide

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) in an anticholinergic nasal spray that can be used in that management of rhinorrhea and allergic rhinitis symptoms, for individuals older than 6 years. The recommended dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 2-3 times a day.

MometasoneFuroate Monohydrate

Mometasonefuroate monohydrate (Nasonex) is used to manage the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis, in addition to the prevention of allergic rhinitis. The recommended dosage is as follows:

• 3-11 years: 1 spray in each nostril once a day
• 12+ years: 2 sprays in each nostril once a day

Olopatadine

Olopatadine (Patanase) is an antihistamine nasal spray that can be used to manage seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients over the age of 12 years. The recommended dose is 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day.

Triamcinolone Acetonide

Triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort) is a nasal spray used to manage the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in individuals over 6 years of age. The recommended dosage is:

• 6-12 years: 1-2 sprays in each nostril once daily
• 12+ years: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.

Resources

• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695002.html
• https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/treatments/drug-guide/nasal-medication
• http://patient.info/health/steroid-nasal-sprays
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403
• http://www.uptodate.com/contents/allergic-rhinitis-seasonal-allergies-beyond-the-basics

Further Reading

• All Nasal Spray Content
• Nasal Spray Overuse
• How to Use Nasal Sprays Correctly

Written by

Yolanda Smith

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.