Nasal drops in pregnancy

Nasal drops during pregnancy are medications that eliminate runny nose and symptoms of nasal congestion. Let's consider what are the most effective and safe nasal drops for pregnant women. And also the features of using medications by expectant mothers.

Runny nose, stuffy nose, sinusitis, rhinitis are the most common ailments affecting the respiratory tract. This happens because the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is constantly in contact with dry dusty air, viruses and low temperatures.

Despite the fact that a runny nose is completely safe at first glance, it requires treatment, especially during pregnancy. Nasal congestion may indicate that an infection has entered the body, which can be threatening to the child's development, negatively affect the formation of the fetus's organs and affect the baby's central nervous system.

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Indications for the use of nasal drops during pregnancy

Indications for use depend entirely on the cause of nasal congestion. Let's look at the main indications for use for expectant mothers:

• Prevention and treatment of infectious lesions of the nasal cavity in the autumn-winter period.
• Allergic rhinitis and rhinitis caused by hypersensitivity to drugs.
• Dryness of the nasal mucosa.
• Postoperative period after surgical intervention in the nasal cavity.

Many drops contain essential oils that have an antibacterial effect and prevent the proliferation of viral microorganisms. Drops are used only as directed by a doctor with strict adherence to the instructions. Since any medications and their uncontrolled use during pregnancy are very dangerous for both the mother and the future baby.

All intranasal medications used during pregnancy are divided into the following categories:

• Preparations with sea salt

The safest and at the same time most effective during pregnancy are drops based on saline solution. Aqua Maris and Marimer belong to this category, as they contain sea salt. This component restores and moisturizes the nasal mucosa.

• Drops with herbal ingredients

Essential oils of pine, mint and eucalyptus are contained in Pinosol. It is approved for use during pregnancy, effectively eliminates nasal congestion and facilitates breathing. However, with prolonged use it can cause allergic reactions. Another drug approved for pregnant women is Saline. It moisturizes the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, restores free breathing, does not contain hormonal components and does not have a vasoconstrictor effect.

• Homeopathic and folk remedies

Among homeopathic preparations, it is worth highlighting Rinitol and Euphorbium compositum. They are a panacea for treating nasal congestion and runny nose. Among folk remedies, it is recommended to use aloe or Kalanchoe juice for instillation into the nasal cavity during pregnancy. Plant juice diluted with warm water clears the nose well and does not have a negative effect on the pregnant woman's body.

Release form

The form of release for the treatment of nasal lesions may be different. As a rule, these are intranasal drugs or sprays. But the pharmaceutical industry does not stand still and offers special creams and ointments that help in the treatment of certain types of rhinitis. The form of the drug is selected individually for each woman, and depends on the concentration of drugs, the duration of the therapeutic effect.

For example, Pinosol is available in the form of a spray, ointment, cream and drops. The price for each form of release and the dosage of medicinal components in the drug are different. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with wet rhinitis with rhinorrhea, then it is better to use a spray or drops for treatment.

• Nasal drops are easy to dose and do not injure the mucous membrane, unlike sprays.
• Unlike drops, the spray penetrates deep into the nasal cavity and covers a large area of the mucous membrane. But it is not recommended for use if you are prone to dry sinuses.
• If rhinitis has reached a dry stage and crusts have appeared on the nose, then it is better to use an ointment or cream for treatment. These forms of drugs have a gentle effect and effectively eliminate the inflammatory reaction.

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Pharmacodynamics

This is the principle of action of the components of the drug, which determine and answer its effectiveness. Let's consider pharmacodynamics using the example of Aqua Maris, which can be used during pregnancy.

Aqua Maris is a local remedy of natural origin. It contains sterilized sea water, which maintains and restores the normal physiological state of the nasal mucosa. They liquefy mucus and normalize its production, and microelements of sea water significantly improve the ciliary functions of the epithelium. Their use helps to stop the inflammatory process, promotes the washing and removal of allergens, dust, haptens from the nasal mucosa.

Pharmacokinetics

These are the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the drug. Let's consider these processes using Nasonex as an example.

They have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, effectively eliminate nasal congestion, but do not penetrate into the systemic bloodstream. Since the drug is used intranasally, the systemic bioavailability of the active substances is at the level of 1-3%. If a small amount of the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract, the components undergo active metabolism. This means that after passing through the liver, they are excreted with bile and urine.

Method of administration and dosage

The method of application and dosage are determined by the attending physician. The main recommendations for the use of the drug are indicated in its instructions. As a rule, pregnant women are prescribed 1-2 drops in each nostril up to three times a day.

Before using the medicine, a woman should check herself for individual sensitivity to the drug. To do this, a small number of drops are introduced into the nostril and after a few hours the condition of the mucous membrane is assessed. If burning, itching or redness occurs, then the use of the product should be discontinued.

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Names of nasal drops during pregnancy

Knowing the names of nasal drops during pregnancy, every woman will be able to choose an effective and safe medicine. But do not forget that the drugs can only be used as prescribed by a doctor, self-medication is dangerous.

The most optimal and safe treatment for rhinitis and other causes of nasal congestion during pregnancy is a saline solution. Such medications contain purified sea salt. The most popular medications in this group are: Aqua Maris, Saline, Merimer, Humer, Dolphin, Allergol. These medications are completely approved for pregnant women and do not pose a threat to the expectant mother and child.

• Pinosol contains a mixture of useful essential oils. Despite their high efficiency, they can only be used with a doctor's permission. This is because if the dosage is incorrect, the drops can cause allergic reactions. Pinosol promotes rapid recovery of the nasal cavity.
• Intranasal drugs based on xylometazoline should be used with special caution. This substance is contained in Galazolin, Ximelin, Dlanos and others. Naphthyzinum and Sanorin also fall into the category of dangerous, so they should be used with strict adherence to the instructions and dosage. Intranasal drugs that contain the substance oxymetazoline, a component included in Nazol, Nazivin and Fazin, are prohibited.
• If the need to use nasal drops arose in the last trimester of gestation, then you can use Tizin, Faryal, Vibrocil and Sanorin.

Using Nasal Drops During Pregnancy

The use of nasal drops during pregnancy is possible only with the permission of a doctor. It is the doctor who determines the cause of nasal congestion or the nature of rhinitis and selects the safest, but at the same time effective drugs. Any nasal drops during pregnancy can be used in the case when the expected benefit for the metria is more important than the potential risk to the child. That is why during the period of gestation it is prohibited to use drugs that contain hormonal components. It is best to use intranasal herbal medications, as they have no contraindications and are safe for the expectant mother.

They are used with caution during lactation. Since many components of drugs can penetrate into breast milk, a woman should decide whether to stop breastfeeding. Another important point in using nasal drops during pregnancy is to follow the dosage and duration of treatment. You cannot use intranasal drugs on your own longer than the recommended period, as this can cause allergic and uncontrolled side effects.

Contraindications to the use of nasal drops during pregnancy

Contraindications to the use of nasal drops during pregnancy depend on the type of drug, gestational age and the characteristics of its course, the presence of contraindications in the woman and the composition of the drug. If you use intranasal drugs for which a woman has contraindications, this can lead to critical conditions: suffocation, allergic rhinitis, bronchospasms, Quincke's edema.

The drops are contraindicated for use in case of recent trauma to the nasal cavity and damage to the mucous membrane until the wound is completely healed. Hypersensitivity to the components is also a prohibition for their use by expectant mothers.

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Side effects of nasal drops during pregnancy

Side effects of nasal drops during pregnancy may occur due to intolerance to the components of the drug. Any medications used during pregnancy can cause uncontrolled side effects, therefore they are dangerous for the unborn child. If the drops for rhinitis contain alcohol, this leads to an increase in blood pressure and adversely affects the development of the fetus.

Drops can cause nosebleeds, burning sensation, dryness in the nasal cavity and irritation of the mucous membrane. With prolonged use, the medicine causes headaches, sneezing. The medicine can lead to swelling of the nasal cavity, increased inflammatory reaction or hyperemia of the mucous membrane.

Overdose

Overdose of nasal drops in pregnant women may occur due to failure to comply with the recommended dosage or exceeding the recommended treatment period. Since intranasal drugs have low bioavailability, they rarely cause overdose symptoms. But with uncontrolled use, drops cause dryness, itching and burning of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

At the first symptoms of overdose, you should stop using the medicine and consult a doctor. The doctor will help you choose another, safer drug that will eliminate nasal congestion, rhinitis and other causes of inflammation of the mucous membrane.

Interactions with other drugs

Interaction of intranasal drugs with other drugs is possible only with a doctor's permission. In case of combined therapy, all drugs are selected by the attending physician, individually for each pregnant woman.

Using several medications at the same time can cause side effects and overdose symptoms. Do not use several drops in the nose at the same time. This interaction can cause bleeding, dryness, burning, and allergic reactions.

Storage conditions

Storage conditions for nasal drops during pregnancy are specified in the instructions for the product. Intranasal preparations must be stored in a dry, cool place, inaccessible to children and protected from sunlight. The storage temperature should not exceed 25°C.

If storage conditions are not observed, the drug loses its medicinal properties and is dangerous for the expectant mother. Particular attention should be paid to storage conditions after opening.

Best before date

The shelf life is from 12 to 36 months. After opening the bottle, the drops are allowed to be stored for 45 days, but not longer. If, due to improper storage, the medicine has acquired an unpleasant smell, color or consistency, then it is prohibited to use it. The use of expired drugs is dangerous for the expectant mother and her child, as it can lead to very dangerous consequences.

Nasal drops during pregnancy are represented by a wide group of drugs with a mild principle of action and safe components. Only a doctor can prescribe a drug; it is strictly forbidden to use any drugs on your own during pregnancy.