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What Are the Dangers of OTC Nasal Sprays?

The dangers of over-the-counter, or OTC, nasal spray don't appear to be life altering, but they can be. Though this simple nasal decongestant can be purchased without a medical prescription, unless used exactly as directed people can become addicted to it, increasing their symptoms and destroying sensitive nasal tissue. Some of brand names you might be familiar with include: Afrin, Duramist Plus, Nostrilla, Oxyfrin, Sinex Long-Acting, Afrin Nasal Sinus and Genasal.

  1. Function

    • Over-the-counter nasal sprays are useful, safe and easy to use, as long as they are used sparingly and according to directions. With the use of a hand-operated pump on the spray bottle, a fine mist is sprayed into the nostril, where it constricts the blood vessels in the nose. This action alleviates nasal congestion due to cold or allergy symptoms, hay fever and general sinus irritation. Nasal sprays create normal nasal airflow and provide temporary relief of stuffed noses.

    Considerations

    • OTC nasal sprays are generally safe for any healthy adult. However, you should not use them if you've had an MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor in the past two weeks. The drug interaction could be dangerous and cause serious complications. Before you start using an OTC nasal spray, consult your primary physician and alert them if you have:
      • Diabetes
      • Glaucoma
      • Heart disease
      • High blood pressure
      • Liver or kidney disease
      • Prostate issues
      • Thyroid issues
      These conditions may restrict your usage of OTC nasal spray or require you take a lower dose with regular medical monitoring.

    Effects

    • Even OTC medications have a possibility of producing side effects. Some resulting from nasal spray may include:
      • Allergic reaction
      • Burning of eyes
      • Hallucinations
      • Irregular heartbeat
      • Irritation of nose
      • Sneezing
      In case you miss a dose, do not double up to correct it. Take the next scheduled dose according to the directions. If you do overdose, seek medical attention and be alert to symptoms including dizziness, lethargy, slowed heartbeat and sweating. Overdosing on nasal spray could also induce a coma.

    Warning

    • Though it's not common, some negative drug interactions can occur between topical nasal sprays and oral medications. Some precaution should be given if you take:
      • bromocriptine
      • furazolidone
      • guanethidine
      • methyldopa
      • theophylline
      • tricyclic antidepressants
      Other meds may also interact with OTC nasal spray, so always consult your physician prior to usage.

    Potential

    • Other risks of using OTC nasal spray include rebound congestion, which occurs when you become dependent on the nasal spray to keep your nasal passages clear. You can also destroy nasal tissue if you use the spray for an extended amount of time. Your heart beat can become irregular and your blood pressure could soar.
      As stated before, the dangers of OTC nasal spray are not common, but they are real. Always consult with your primary physician before starting any OTC nasal spray.

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