Nasal Spray Advancing Respiratory Relief, Mucosal Drug Delivery, and Rapid Nasal Therapeutic Administration
Nasal sprays have evolved from simple decongestant solutions into sophisticated drug-delivery systems used for allergies, migraines, hormonal therapy, vaccines, pain relief, and emergency-care
medications. Unlike oral medicines, nasal sprays allow rapid absorption through the nasal mucosa, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism and providing quicker onset of action.
The most common use remains allergic rhinitis and sinus congestion. Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation, antihistamine sprays control allergic reactions, and saline sprays help cleanse nasal passages. Innovations include dual-mechanism sprays combining antihistamines and corticosteroids for improved efficacy. In acute care settings, intranasal naloxone for opioid overdose and intranasal midazolam for seizure emergencies demonstrate the life-saving potential of nasal routes. Hormonal therapies such as desmopressin and calcitonin sprays highlight diverse clinical applications.
Advances are ongoing in nanotechnology-enhanced nasal delivery, mucoadhesive formulations, and device-engineered droplets that enhance penetration. Nasal vaccine research, accelerated during global health emergencies, focuses on mucosal immunity and non-invasive mass vaccination.
