Nasal Sprays: An Alternative to Pills and Shots

Thursday, August 29, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Nasal sprays aren't just for allergies. Nasal forms of medication can provide a safe, effective alternative when pills or injected drugs are impractical or ineffective, according to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Conditions being treated nasally include osteoporosis, migraines and water-retention-and- elimination disorder (diabetes insipidus). Nasal sprays also are used to help in smoking cessation. Other applications are under study.

When given nasally, medications are absorbed through mucous membranes. In some cases, this allows delivery directly to the brain. Nasal delivery makes it possible for the drugs to take effect more quickly than pills.

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Shelly Plutowski
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

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