Allergy Nasal Sprays for Children

There are a variety of medications available for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children, which is usually caused by an allergy to pollens, dust mites, and/or pets. For some children, this happens during the spring, but for others, it occurs year-round. Oral antihistamines are one treatment option, and, if nasal symptoms are still problematic, a nasal spray can be added.

Older boy helping a younger boy blow his nose

heidijpix / Getty Images

Types of Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays have different active ingredients and sometimes come in over-the-counter (OTC) as well as prescription formulations. Which one you choose depends on the cause of your child's allergies, as well as their specific symptoms. The most common active ingredients in nasal sprays include the following:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the effects of histamines, a chemical released by the body in response to allergy-causing substances (allergens).

Sprays available by prescription include:

  • Azelastine (generic only)
  • Patanase (lopatadine)

Astepro (azelastine) is currently the only antihistamine nasal spray approved for nonprescription use in children ages 6 and up.

Antihistamine nasal sprays usually take effect within an hour, but work best if used routinely.

Steroids

Nasal corticosteroids reduce the inflammation caused by allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. These nasal sprays help prevent and relieve sneezing and a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose.

OTC sprays in this category include:

  • Children's Flonase (fluticasone propionate) and Children's Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate)
  • Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
  • Rhinocort (budesonide)

Prescription sprays include:

  • Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate)
  • Omnaris (ciclesonide)

Corticosteroid nasal sprays need to be used routinely to have any benefit. These medications take many hours to start working, and typically need to be used for a few days before they reach maximal effect.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics work by drying the nasal passages. Atrovent Nasal Spray (ipratropium bromide) is available by prescription.

Mast Cell Stabilizer

The active ingredient in this drug, called NasalCrom, is cromolyn sodium. It prevents immune cells (called mast cells) from releasing histamines into the bloodstream. This is an option for families who prefer not to use steroids, but it has to be administered four times per day for best coverage. NasalCrom is available over the counter.

Saline Sprays

To help soften mucus, saline saltwater sprays can be used, which will cause the mucus to drain more easily—but don't use them right after administering the medicated sprays, as they may rinse out the drug before it has time to take effect.

Nasal sprays, especially intranasal corticosteroids, do a better job at treating all symptoms of allergic rhinitis when compared to oral antihistamines. Nasal corticosteroids even do a better job of treating symptoms of eye allergies than do oral antihistamines.

Many patients find that they achieve better allergy symptom control by taking both an oral antihistamine and an intranasal corticosteroid.

Side Effects

The Pediatric Allergies in America Survey found that nearly half of children who used nasal sprays complained that the medication dripped down their throats, causing throat irritation. Other common side effects that children reported in this study included bad taste, drying or burning within the nose, headaches, drowsiness, and nosebleeds.

Incorrect technique results in many of the side effects from nasal sprays, including nose bleeds.

How to Use a Nasal Spray

Your child may resist having liquid squirted into their nose. To minimize discomfort, follow these step-by-step instructions for administering nasal spray:

  1. Hold your child on your lap and support them with one arm. Use the other arm to squirt the nasal spray.
  2. Have your child lean head forward as if reading.
  3. Administer one nasal dose to each nostril.

A Word From Verywell

Always consult with your child's pediatrician before using a nasal spray for your child. Not all formulations are appropriate for all ages. Your healthcare provider can advise you on which ones are safe for your child, and on the correct dosage.

1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves a nasal antihistamine for nonprescription use.

Additional Reading
Daniel More, MD

By Daniel More, MD
Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and formerly practiced at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California.