Why is this procedure done?
Your doctor has ordered a drug for your nose. It may help with your sinuses as well. ‚
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What will the results be?
When the drops or spray get in your nose, the drug will be absorbed so your body can use it. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Make sure you have all of the items that you will need. Place them on a clean surface nearby.
- Nose drops or nose spray
- A tissue or clean cloth
- Check the drug.
- Read the label to make sure that you have the correct drug. Never use someone elses spray or drops, even if it is the same drug. You could get an infection.
- Make sure you have the right dose. Check the amount of drug with what the doctor ordered. Never use more than the amount the doctor told you to use.
- Know if you are supposed to give the nose drops or spray in one or both sides of your nose.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is expired.
- Gently blow your nose before using the spray, drops, or gel.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water.
What happens during the procedure?
Nose drops ‚
- Lie down and tip your head back. Breathe through your mouth.
- Put the tip of the dropper in your nose about 1/3 inch (0.8 cm). Try not to touch the dropper to your nose.
- Put the correct number of drops in your nose.
- Continue to lie with your head back for 1 to 2 minutes.
- When you finish, rinse the tip of the nose drop container with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap.
Nose spray ‚
- Sit or stand and tip your head back a little.
- Place the tip of the spray container in one side of your nose. Use one finger to gently close the other side of your nose.
- Squeeze the nose spray container quickly and firmly. At the same time, breathe in through the open side of your nose. Wait 1 to 2 minutes if you need to use another spray or to repeat on the other side.
- When you finish, rinse the tip of the nose spray container with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap.
Nasal pump ‚
- Sit or stand.
- Make sure the pump is primed and the spray flows freely.
- To prime the pump, squeeze the bottle until you get a fine mist.
- Put the tip of the pump in one side of your nose. Tip your head slightly forward and keep the bottle upright. Squeeze the pump all the way down. At the same time, breathe in deeply through your nose. Repeat on the other side of your nose.
- When you finish, dry the tip with a clean tissue. Cover the tip with the cap.
- One time each week, clean the tip. Remove the cap and push up on the tip of the applicator to remove it from the bottle. Wash the cap and the tip in warm water. Allow both to air dry and then replace the tip and the cap on the bottle.
Nasal gel ‚
- Put a small amount of gel on the tip of your clean, dry finger.
- Gently rub the gel inside your nose.
- Sniff to help move the gel back in your nose.
- Wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue. Replace the cap.
What happens after the procedure?
Wash your hands to remove any drug that may be on them. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Mild itching
- Burning
- Stinging
- Sneezing
- Increase in drainage from the nose
- Change in taste
When do I need to call the doctor?
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse ‚
Helpful tips
- Do not share nose drugs with other people.
- Always blow your nose first before using nose drugs.
- Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose right after using your nose drugs.
- Some kinds of nose drugs are only to be used for a short time. Read the label or talk with your doctor if you have questions.
- Store your nasal drops, spray, or gel away from sunlight.
- Do not use any other over-the-counter nasal sprays or nose drops unless told by your doctor.
Where can I learn more?
American Society or Health-System Pharmacists ‚
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/HowtoAdminister/How-to-Use-Nasal-Pump-Sprays-Properly ‚
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/HowtoAdminister/HowtoUseNasalSpraysProperly ‚
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/HowtoAdminister/HowtoUseNoseDropsProperly ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚