Monasal Dosage/Direction for Use

Always use MONASAL exactly as the doctor has told. The patient should check with the doctor or pharmacist if not sure. Do not use a larger dose or use the spray more often or for longer than the doctor has told.
Treatment of seasonal and perennial rhinitis: In some patients MONASAL begins to relieve symptoms within 12 hours after the first dose, however full benefit of treatment may not be seen in first two days. Therefore the patient should continue regular use to achieve full benefit of treatment.
If the patient or child suffer badly from seasonal allergic rhinitis, the doctor may tell to start using MONASAL two to four weeks before the start of the pollen season, as this will help to prevent the seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms from occurring. At the end of the pollen season the seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms should get better and treatment may then not be needed.
Use in adults and children over 12 years old: The usual dose is two sprays into each nostril once a day.
Once the symptoms are under control, the doctor may advise to decrease the dose.
If the patient does not start to feel any better, the patient should see the doctor and he may tell the patient to increase the dose to the maximum daily dose of four sprays into each nostril once a day.
Use in children aged 2 to 11 years: The usual dose is one spray into each nostril once daily.
Young children should be aided by an adult when using MONASAL.
Long term use of nasal steroids at high doses may cause slowing of growth in children. The doctor may check the child's height at intervals during treatment and reduce the dose if any effects are seen.
Nasal polyps: Use in adults over 18 years old: The usual starting dose is two sprays into each nostril once daily.
If symptoms are not controlled after 5 to 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to two sprays in each nostril twice daily. Once symptoms are under control, the doctor should ask the patient to reduce the dose to the lowest amount where symptoms are still controlled.
If no improvement in symptoms is seen after 5 to 6 weeks of twice daily administration, the patient should contact the doctor.
Treatment of acute rhinosinusitis: Use in adults and children 12 years of age and older: The usual recommended dose is two sprays into each nostril twice daily.
If no improvement in symptoms is seen after 15 days of twice daily administration, the patient should contact the doctor to discuss other treatments to replace MONASAL. If symptoms get worse during treatment the patient should contact the doctor.
Preparing the nasal spray for use: MONASAL nasal spray has a dust cap which protects the nozzle and keeps it clean.
Remember to take this off before using the spray and to replace it after use.
If the patient is using the spray for the first time the patient needs to 'prime' the bottle by pumping the spray 10 times until a fine mist is produced: 1. Gently shake the bottle and remove the dust cap.
2. Put the forefinger and middle finger either side of the nozzle and the thumb underneath the bottle. Do not pierce the nasal applicator. Do not spray into eyes.
3. Point the nozzle away from the patient and then press down with the fingers to pump the spray.
If the patient has not used the spray for 14 days or more, the patient needs to re-prime the bottle by pumping the spray 2 times until a fine mist is produced.
How to use the nasal spray: 1. Shake the bottle gently before each use and remove the dust cap.
2. Gently blow the nose.
3. Close one nostril and put the nozzle into the other nostril. Tilt the head forward slightly, keeping the bottle upright. Do not spray directly onto the nasal septum (the wall between the two nostrils).
4. Start to breathe in gently or slowly through the nose and whilst the patient is breathing in squirt a spray of fine mist into the nose by pressing down once with the fingers.
5. Breathe out through the mouth. Repeat step 4 to inhale a second spray in the same nostril if applicable.
6. Remove the nozzle from this nostril and breathe out through the mouth.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for the other nostril.
After using the spray, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean handkerchief or tissue and replace the dust cap.
Cleaning the nasal spray: It is important to clean the nasal spray regularly, otherwise it may not work properly.
1. Remove the dust cap and gently pull off the nozzle.
2. Wash the nozzle and dust cap in warm water and then rinse under a running tap.
3. Do not try to unblock the nasal applicator by inserting a pin or other sharp object as this will damage the applicator and cause the patient not to get the right dose of medicine.
4. Allow the dust cap and nozzle to dry in a warm place.
5. Push the nozzle back onto the bottle and replace the dust cap.
6. The spray will need to be primed again with 2 sprays when first used after cleaning.
If the patient uses more MONASAL than she/he should: Tell the doctor if the patient accidentally uses more than she/he were told
If the patient uses steroids for a long time or in large amounts they may, rarely, affect some of the hormones. In children this may affect growth and development.
If the patient forgets to use MONASAL: If the patient forgets to use the nasal spray at the right time, use it as soon as she/he remember, then carry on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If the patient stops using MONASAL: In some patients MONASAL should begin to relieve symptoms 12 hours after the first dose. However, full benefit of treatment may not be seen for up to two days. It is very important that the patient uses the nasal spray regularly. Do not stop the treatment even if the patient feels better unless told to do so by the doctor.
If the patient has any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask the doctor or pharmacist.