Proper use of Duramist Plus is necessary for effective relief and avoidance of side effects:
- Prepare Nasal Spray
- Before first use, prime the spray by pumping two or three times to engage the spray feature. If the bottle has not been used for a few weeks, you might need to re-prime the bottle.
- Insert the nozzle in one nostril, press down on the pump, and breathe slowly. Do not sniff hard because it will push the medicine into the throat.
- Do the same thing for the second nostril, if needed.
- Cleaning of the Applicator:
- Dispose of the used tissue after using Duramist Plus, and clean the nozzle with a clean tissue, then keep the bottle tightly capped with the cap.
- Preventing Overuse
- Do not use Duramist Plus beyond the recommended duration (typically 5-7 days). More than this time may lead to rebound congestion or other unwanted side effects.
Duramist Plus acts by employing the synergistic action of its two active ingredients:
Fluticasone Propionate (Steroid):
- Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that decreases swelling in the nostrils. It prevents the release of chemicals in the body responsible for causing swelling, irritation, and inflammation.
- By preventing inflammation, fluticasone decreases symptoms like runny nose, congestion, itching, and sneezing.
Xylometazoline (Decongestant):
- Xylometazoline is a sympathomimetic medication that is used as a decongestant. It achieves this through causing nasal mucosal blood vessel contraction, thus lessening swelling and stuffiness of the nose. This enhances nasal breathing, particularly when you have excess congestion from colds or allergic responses.
These two ingredients combined target to remove several causes of nasal stuffiness and provide quick and effective relief from nasal airway congestion and inflammation.
Although Duramist Plus is usually well tolerated in a majority of patients, it has the ability to cause side effects in a few:
Common Side Effects:
- Nasal Irritation: Burning or stinging sensation in the nose following a spray.
- Dryness: Dryness in the nasal passage or throat may be felt, particularly with prolonged use.
- Sneezing: Sneezing following the spray is felt by a few consumers.
- Severe Side Effects
- Nosebleeds: In a few cases, nosebleeds result from dryness or irritation of the nasal passages.
- Rebound Congestion: The symptoms worsen with discontinuation of the drug with rebound congestion from long-term use of xylometazoline.
- Systemic Effects: Side effects of excessive body absorption of the drug can cause nervousness, fast heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
In case of serious or persistent side effects, like shortness of breath or facial swelling, contact your doctor immediately.
When taking Duramist Plus, remember the following warnings and precautions:
- Prolonged Use: Avoid taking Duramist Plus for 7 consecutive days or more because prolonged use of the decongestant ingredient (xylometazoline) can cause rebound congestion or worsening of symptoms.
- Cardiac Disorders: If you have a history of heart disease, hypertension, or thyroid disease, talk to your doctor before using Duramist Plus because xylometazoline has a risk of increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: If you are pregnant or lactating, talk to your doctor before using Duramist Plus because the safety of the drug during pregnancy and lactation has not been completely established.
- Children: Use Duramist Plus in children below 12 years only under the advice of a health practitioner.
Normal dose of Duramist Plus is:
- Adults and Children 12 years and older: One or two sprays per nostril, once or twice daily as needed. Dosage normally normally not greater than 2 sprays per nostril daily.
- Children less than 12 years old: Not suitable for children below 12 years of age except under the supervision of a doctor.