Nasal Spray Side Effects and Risks (2024)

Nasal sprays for Cold &Allergy&Rhinitis,and other respiratory diseases. meanwhile, there are Side Effects and Risks when using nasal sprays.

Common side effects of nasal sprays include:

• Burning
• Bleeding
• Stinging
• Increased runny nose
• Dryness in the nose
• Sneezing
• Nervousness
• Nausea
• Headache

If mild side effects don’t go away or get worse, or if you have any of the following serious side effects, call your provider:

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Vision changes
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat

Overuse and Rebound Congestion

Do not use adecongestantnasal spray for more than three days.2Overusing nasal sprays makes them less effective and may even make your symptoms worse. This is calledrhinitis medicamentosaorrebound congestion.

The narrowing of blood vessels in the nasal tissues (vasoconstriction) helps decrease congestion and fluid in the nose. This is why certain nasal sprays (like Afrin and Neo-Synephrine) make these symptoms better.

However, if you use nasal sprays too often or for a long time, they will stop working and you will need to use more to get relief. If you overuse nasal sprays, you might need a metered-dose device called aRhinostatto wean you off the medication.

Summary

Nasal sprays can relieve congestion and other symptoms of allergies and colds. You can get nasal sprays over-the-counter (OTC) or as a prescription from your provider. Some medications that come in nasal spray form, like vaccines, must be given to you by a provider.

While using a nasal spray for congestion or other symptoms can be OK in the short term, if you use nasal sprays too much or for you too long, they can stop working. Overusing nasal sprays can also lead to rebound congestion.

If you have been using a nasal spray for three days and your symptoms aren’t any better, they’re getting worse, or you have serious side effects like trouble with your vision or dizziness, stop using the nasal spray and call your provider.