How to Use Nasal Spray Correctly: Step by Step

Have you ever had an itchy, stuffy, or runny nose? If you’re familiar with these uncomfortable symptoms, you may have experienced inflammation of the nose (rhinitis). In rhinitis, the fluid in the nose known as mucus becomes inflamed. Allergic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis that can happen when you’re exposed to certain allergens (irritants). This is different from rhinitis that occurs due to infections, like the common cold.

About 1 in 6 Americans experience allergic rhinitis at some point. Unfortunately, rhinitis symptoms can be quite bothersome and affect your quality of life. Avoiding allergens is important for preventing allergic rhinitis, but it’s not always possible. If you do experience symptoms of rhinitis, nasal sprays can help relieve your discomfort.

Using a nasal spray might seem intimidating if you’ve never used one before. But, they’re not as complicated as they might seem. Here, we’ll break down how to use nasal sprays correctly in seven simple steps. 

What are some medications that come as nasal sprays?

Before we talk about how to use nasal spray, let’s review what it is and what you might use it to treat or relieve. 

A nasal spray is liquid medication that you release into the nose. Most nasal sprays are used to relieve feelings of stuffiness (congestion) or irritation. Nasal sprays can be beneficial because they deliver medication directly to the nose, and usually don’t impact the rest of the body. 

There are many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray options to choose from. Some nasal spray brands have multiple product options, so it can be overwhelming to know what you need. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you pick the best nasal spray option for you, which will depend on what symptoms you’re experiencing.

Some common examples of OTC nasal sprays are:

• Flonase (fluticasone propionate)

• Nasacort (triamcinolone)

• Afrin (oxymetazoline)

• Nasonex (mometasone)

• Astepro (azelastine) 

Historically, Nasonex and Astepro were prescription-only products. But in the last year, both were approved for OTC: Nasonex in March 2022 and Astepro in June 2021. 

Examples of prescription nasal sprays include: 

• Qnasl (beclomethasone)

• Astepro (azelastine)

• Dymista (azelastine/fluticasone)

• flunisolide

How do I use a nasal spray product correctly?

Below are seven simple steps for using a nasal spray correctly. But, these are just general steps. You should always read the instructions on your nasal spray product before you use it. Each product may have different instructions, and you’ll want to follow the instructions for your specific product. Using your nasal spray correctly is vital to getting the most out of your medication.

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water to make sure they’re clean before using your nasal spray. 

Step 2

Before using your nasal spray, blow your nose into a tissue to clear out any mucus from your nose. This will help open your nasal passages so the nasal spray can get where it needs to go.

Step 3

Shake your nasal spray gently several times. If you’re using a nasal spray that has a pump, you may need to prime the medication if it’s your first time using it that day. To do this, remove the cap and squirt the nasal spray into the air. Once a fine mist comes out, the bottle is primed. 

Step 4

Depending on the type of nasal spray you use, you may need to position your head in different ways to use the spray. For example, with nasal sprays that come with a pump, you may need to tilt your head slightly forward. If you’re using a pressurized nasal spray, your head can stay upright.

Step 5

Before using the spray, breathe out slowly. Then, place the nasal spray into your nose about a quarter to half inch into the nostril. Don’t push the spray up too far.

Step 6

Administer the medication into your nostril by pressing down on the pump or canister of your nasal spray. Some nasal spray instructions will say to breathe in gently through your nose while administering the medication. Make sure you spray the medication away from the center (or septum) of your nose. You can do this by pointing the nasal spray towards the ear on the same side of the nostril you’re spraying into. 

Step 7

Repeat steps 4 through 6 if you are using more than one spray per nostril, and repeat steps 4 through 6 for the other nostril.

Other helpful tips

• You’ll want to avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after you use the nasal spray. 

• Once you’re done using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and place the cap back on. If it becomes clogged, check the product instructions for how to clean it. Don’t share your nasal spray with other people to avoid spreading germs. 

• If you’re using your nasal spray correctly, the spray shouldn’t drip from your nose or go down your throat. If any spray does drip from your nose, just wipe the liquid away with a tissue.

• If your nose starts to hurt or you have a nosebleed after using your nasal spray, talk to your healthcare provider. They may want you to stop using the nasal spray or they might suggest using a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moisturized.

• Some nasal sprays can take a few days to a few weeks to work. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about what to expect.

• Some nasal spray products shouldn’t be used for more than a few days. For example, Afrin can cause worsening congestion if used for more than 3 days in a row.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Nina Bahman, MPH

Nina Bahman is a PharmD candidate at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in public health from San Diego State University.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts