Aquamet Nasal Spray

AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY

AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY, manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., is a corticosteroid nasal spray used for the prevention and treatment of various nasal conditions.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Mometasone Furoate (50 mcg/spray or 0.5 mg/ml). Mometasone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages.

Uses

AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY is primarily prescribed for:

• Allergic Rhinitis: This includes seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, helping to alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, stuffiness, and itching.
• Nasal Polyps: Used to treat painless growths on the lining of the nose, particularly in adults aged 18 and older, by reducing inflammation and shrinking the polyps.
• Asthma Prophylaxis: While primarily a nasal spray for rhinitis and polyps, Mometasone Furoate (the active ingredient) is also used in other formulations for asthma prophylaxis.

Dosage and Administration

AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY is for intranasal use only.

• General Instructions: Shake the bottle gently before each use. Before application, gently blow your nose.
• Application Technique: Close one nostril, insert the nozzle into the other, direct the spray towards the sides of the nostril (away from the nasal septum), press the pump to release the spray, and breathe gently through your nose. Repeat the process for the other nostril.
• Adults (Allergic Rhinitis): Typically 100 mcg (2 sprays) into each nostril once daily. The dose may be increased to 200 mcg into each nostril once daily if needed, with a maintenance dose often being 50 mcg in each nostril daily.
• Children (Allergic Rhinitis):
  • 2-11 years: 50 mcg (1 spray) into each nostril daily.
  • Over 12 years: 100 mcg (as directed by physician) into each nostril daily.
• Adults (Nasal Polyps): 100 mcg (2 sprays) into each nostril once daily; the dose may be increased to twice a day after 5-6 weeks if necessary.
• For optimal benefits, use the spray regularly as advised by your doctor.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Headache, sneezing, nosebleeds (epistaxis), sore nose or throat, nasal irritation, nasal dryness, ulcers in the nose, respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection, viral infections, wheezing, vomiting, cough, chills, inflammation of pharynx, painful menstruation, and sinusitis.
• Serious Side Effects (rare but consult a doctor if experienced): Skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or breathing difficulty.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not use if you are allergic to Mometasone or any other ingredients in the spray.
• Nasal Conditions: Exercise caution if you have an untreated localized infection in the nasal passages (e.g., herpes infection) or if you have recently had nasal injury or surgery, as it can increase the risk of bleeding, fungal infections, and delay wound healing.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy only if clearly necessary and with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor.
• Children: Use with caution in children, as it may cause delayed weight gain and slowed growth. Always consult a doctor for appropriate dosage.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver disease, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, heart disease, ocular diseases, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal diseases, or a history of seizure disorders.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.
• Discard the spray bottle two months after first opening it.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, typically below 30°C.
• Protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store in its original container.

What is AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY used for?

AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY, containing Mometasone Furoate, is primarily used to prevent and treat symptoms associated with allergies, such as hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and perennial rhinitis. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion (blocked nose), and itching. It is also used to treat nasal polyps in adults.

How does AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY work?

This medicine contains Mometasone, a corticosteroid. It works by reducing swelling and irritation in the nasal passages. It achieves this by blocking the release of certain chemical substances, such as kinins, histamine, and prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing allergic and inflammatory symptoms. This action provides relief from nasal discomfort and improves breathing.

What is the usual dosage for AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY?

The dosage depends on the condition being treated and the patient's age. For allergic rhinitis, adults typically use 100 mcg (2 sprays) in each nostril once daily, which may be increased to 200 mcg if needed. Children aged 2-11 years usually receive 50 mcg (1 spray) in each nostril daily, while children over 12 years may use 100 mcg in each nostril daily. For nasal polyps in adults, the usual dose is 100 mcg (2 sprays) in each nostril once daily, which can be increased to twice a day after 5-6 weeks if necessary. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for dosage and duration of treatment.

What are the possible side effects of AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY?

Common side effects may include nasal irritation, sore throat, nosebleeds (including blood in the mucous), headache, sneezing, upper respiratory tract infection, viral infection, wheezing, and vomiting. If you experience persistent or concerning side effects, such as nasal ulcerations or visual disturbances, or if symptoms worsen, you should inform your doctor promptly.

Is AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There is limited research on the safety of AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY during pregnancy, and its effects on pregnant women are largely unknown. Similarly, it is not known whether the medication passes into breast milk. Therefore, it should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and only if clearly necessary, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Can AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY be taken with other medications?

It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions. AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY may interact with certain medications such as ritonavir and cobicistat (used for HIV), other corticosteroid medicines, antifungals, certain antidiabetic drugs, and fluoroquinolones. No known interactions with food or alcohol have been reported.

What precautions should be taken while using AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY?

Do not use AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY if you are allergic to Mometasone Furoate or any other ingredients. Exercise caution if you have an untreated nasal infection (such as herpes), a recent nasal injury, or have undergone nasal surgery, as it may increase the risk of bleeding, fungal infections, or delay wound healing. Individuals with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, heart disease, ocular diseases, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal diseases, or a history of seizure disorders should use this medication with caution and consult their doctor. Always direct the spray towards the sides of your nostril, away from the nasal septum. Long-term use, particularly in children, may require periodic monitoring by your doctor due to the potential for hormonal imbalance or delayed growth.

What happens if a dose of AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY is missed?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the chances of side effects.

How should AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY be stored?

Store AQUAMET NASAL SPRAY at room temperature in a clean, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze the medication. To prevent the spread of germs, do not share your nasal spray with others. Any remaining spray should be discarded two months after you first open the bottle.