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Home > Drug Category > Allergy Medication > Dymista Nasal Spray and Equivalent

Dymista Nasal Spray Information:

Dymista is a combination nasal spray that contains two active ingredients: azelastine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, and fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid. This unique combination offers a dual mechanism of action to effectively treat the symptoms of moderate to severe seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever. It is also used to relieve associated eye symptoms, such as itching, watering, and redness. The combination of a fast-acting antihistamine and a long-acting corticosteroid often provides more comprehensive symptom relief than either medication used alone.

Azelastine hydrochloride is a selective H1-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers allergic symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. Unlike some older antihistamines, azelastine has a rapid onset of action, providing relief within minutes. The other active ingredient, fluticasone propionate, is a potent synthetic corticosteroid that has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It works by reducing the inflammation in the nasal passages that is characteristic of allergic reactions. By suppressing the activity of inflammatory cells and the release of inflammatory mediators, fluticasone helps to relieve nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and sneezing.

The synergistic effect of these two ingredients makes Dymista a highly effective treatment, with studies showing it can provide faster and more significant relief of both nasal and ocular symptoms than either component alone. Dymista is approved for use in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Dymista Nasal Spray Side Effects

The most common side effects of Dymista are generally localized to the nasal area. These may include a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth (dysgeusia), an unpleasant smell, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and headache. Some users may also experience nasal irritation, a dry or irritated throat, or mild stinging. While Dymista is generally considered non-sedating, a small number of patients may still experience drowsiness or dizziness. These effects are typically mild and may decrease with continued use.

Although Dymista is a topical medication with minimal systemic absorption, more serious side effects can occur, particularly with long-term use. You should stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Local Nasal Effects: Prolonged use of nasal corticosteroids can, in rare cases, lead to damage to the nasal septum, resulting in nasal septal perforation (a hole in the wall between the nostrils) or nasal ulcers. If you notice a whistling sound when you breathe, this may be a sign of a perforated septum.

• Eye-related Side Effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids, including in a nasal spray, has been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights should be reported to a healthcare provider.

• Adrenal Suppression: Although rare with a nasal spray, high doses or long-term use can lead to the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which affects the body's ability to produce its own steroids. This can result in symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, and low blood pressure.

• Immunosuppression: Like other corticosteroids, fluticasone can suppress the local immune system, increasing the risk of localized infections, such as a fungal infection (Candida) in the nose or throat.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Though rare, a severe allergic reaction to Dymista is possible. Symptoms can include hives, a widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Dymista Nasal Spray Precautions

Before using Dymista, it is crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions and all other medications you are taking. Dymista is not recommended for use in patients with a history of recent nasal surgery, injury, or ulcers, as corticosteroids can impair wound healing. It should also be used with caution in patients with untreated respiratory tract infections (e.g., tuberculosis), as the medication can mask the signs of the disease and may increase the risk of it spreading. It is essential to use Dymista exactly as prescribed by your doctor and not to exceed the recommended dose. Shake the bottle well before each use. Dymista is for nasal use only; you should avoid spraying it into your eyes or mouth. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the area thoroughly with cool water. While the combination is designed to be non-sedating, some individuals may still experience drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or operating heavy machinery, especially if you are taking other CNS depressants, until you know how the medication affects you.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should discuss this with your doctor before using Dymista. While the systemic absorption is low, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should only be considered if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. In pediatric patients, especially those on long-term therapy, healthcare providers should monitor their growth, as systemic corticosteroids can cause a reduction in growth velocity.

Do I need a prescription to order Dymista Nasal Spray?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Dymista Nasal Spray.