Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with patient directions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine is only used in the nose. Do not get it in your eyes. If it does get in the eyes, rinse them with water right away and call your doctor.

Some patients using this medicine may feel better right away. For others, it may take 1 or 2 weeks before the medicine helps. Keep using the medicine on a regular schedule as your doctor ordered.

To use the nasal spray:

  • Remove the clear plastic dust cap and the green safety clip from the nasal spray pump. The safety clip prevents the accidental discharge of the spray when you are not using it.
  • When you use the spray pump for the first time, you must prime the bottle. Pump the bottle 7 times or until a fine spray comes out.
  • Gently blow your nose before using the spray. Insert the tip of the bottle into your nostril.
  • Close the opposite nostril with a finger and lean your head slightly forward.
  • Spray into your nostril and sniff deeply through your nose. Then breathe out through your mouth.
  • Take the spray pump out of your nostril. Lean your head backward for a few seconds.
  • If a second dose is needed in the same nostril, lean the head slightly forward and repeat the same steps.
  • Spray the opposite nostril using the same steps.
  • Replace the clear plastic dust cap and the green safety clip.
  • If the spray pump gets clogged, hold the tip of the bottle under warm running water for about 1 minute. Dry the pump and prime it again.
  • If you do not use the bottle for more than 24 hours, prime it again by releasing two sprays.
  • If you do not use the bottle for more than 7 days, clean the spray tip and prime it again by releasing seven sprays.
  • Keep track of the number of sprays you use. Throw the bottle away after you use 345 sprays (0.03% nasal spray) even if some liquid remains in the bottle.
  • You should not take extra doses of the nasal spray without checking first with your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For the 0.03% nasal spray:
    • For runny nose caused by allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older—2 sprays in each nostril two or three times a day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For the 0.06% nasal spray:
    • For runny nose associated with the common cold:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 5 years of age and older—2 sprays in each nostril three or four times a day. Do not use the medicine for more than 4 days.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: July 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.