Do you also sneeze frequently? Is your nose blocked and a watery liquid running from your nose? Or does your nose and eyes feel like they are itching? These types of allergy symptoms can make it very difficult to do your daily activities, right? So, in such cases, your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray for you. Today we are talking about one such medicine, a combination of two drugs called Olopatadine and Mometasone.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is actually a combination of two medications. That means one pill does two things.
1. Olopatadine: This is an antihistamine. Simply put, it blocks a chemical called histamine that is released by our body when we have an allergy. This is what controls the sneezing, itchy nose, and runny nose.
2. Mometasone: This is a `(Nasal Steroid)`. That is, a medicine that reduces swelling and inflammation inside the nose. A stuffy nose is often caused by swelling of the tissues inside the nose. So this medicine reduces that swelling and makes breathing easier.
When these two medications are combined, allergy symptoms can be controlled very well. In Sri Lanka, you may find this under brand names like Ryaltris.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before using this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him/her about any of the following, especially if you have any of the following:
| Your situation | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Eye diseases or vision problems (e.g. glaucoma, cataracts) | This type of steroid medication can affect some eye conditions. |
| Current infections (e.g. Tuberculosis, Herpes, fungal infections) | Since steroids slightly reduce the body's immunity, existing infections may worsen. |
| Having had recent surgery on the nose or sinuses. | It is not advisable to use the spray until the wounds have healed. |
| Using another type of oral steroid (corticosteroid). | The doctor should be aware of the total amount of steroids the body is receiving. |
| Having allergies to Mometasone, Olopatadine or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to prevent an allergy to the medicine. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | It is important to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby. | Talk to your doctor about whether the ingredients in the medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this?
This is a nasal spray only. Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor and the directions on the label carefully. Never use more than the prescribed amount.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Just like your toothbrush, do not let anyone else use it. Doing so can spread the infection.
Usually, the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that comes with this medicine clearly states how to use it. Read it carefully. Imagine that you just bought a bottle, or you haven't used it for a few days. Then you need to 'prime' it. That means shaking the bottle well, spraying it into the air a few times, and seeing if the medicine comes out properly. This should be mentioned very clearly on the leaflet.
When given to children, this is sometimes prescribed for children over 12 years of age. But always only under the supervision of a doctor.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you have any suspicion that you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this spray. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). This medicine may interact with the following in particular:
- Alcohol: Can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Other antihistamines: Medicines taken for coughs, colds, and other allergies may increase side effects.
- Sleeping pills and tranquilizers: Taking these together may cause excessive drowsiness.
- Some medications used to treat seizures: e.g. phenobarbital.
- Anesthetic drugs for surgery.
- Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery.
- Strong painkillers: `(Narcotic medications)`.
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly increase your risk of getting infections. So avoid being around anyone who has chickenpox or measles. Also tell your doctor if you have a sore on your nose or a sore on your skin that is slow to heal.
- Drowsiness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So , avoid doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Nose problems | Sores or crusting inside the nose, frequent or excessive nosebleeds. |
| Fungal infections in the mouth or nose (Thrush) | White spots inside the mouth or nose. |
| Decreased adrenal function | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness. |
| Whistling sound coming from the nose | A continuous whistling sound coming from one or both nostrils. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Change in taste or smell | Feeling a change in the taste of food or the smell of things. |
| Nasal or throat discomfort | A feeling of burning or dryness in the nose or throat. |
How do you keep this medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store upright at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Never store in the fridge or freezer.
- Discard any remaining medicine after the expiration date or after 240 sprays have been used for the first time (whichever comes first).
- Ask your doctor how to properly dispose of used or expired medicine bottles.
Take-Home Message
- This is a nasal spray that helps control symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion caused by allergies.
- Always use the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so be very careful when driving or doing tasks that require concentration.
- If you experience any serious side effects (such as facial swelling, excessive bleeding), do not delay and see a doctor immediately.
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