Dymista (137 micrograms) Nasal Spray

What is Dymista Nasal Spray?

Dymista is a dual-action nasal spray that relieves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever) and is available on prescription from The Independent Pharmacy.

It contains an antihistamine called azelastine hydrochloride and a steroid called fluticasone propionate. These work together to fight the allergic reactions hay fever causes by stopping and soothing the inflammation caused by dust and pollen.

Dymista nasal spray is manufactured by Mylan and is available in an easy-to-use bottle containing approximately 120 metered sprays. It can be used by adults and children over the age of 12.

Is Dymista nasal spray a steroid?

One of the active ingredients in Dymista is a steroid called fluticasone propionate. This steroid reduces swelling in the passages in and around the nose to relieve symptoms of hay fever.

The steroid in Dymista nasal spray builds up an effect when used regularly, which means that it becomes more effective at preventing nasal irritation during regular use.

What is Dymista used for?

While this nasal spray is mainly used to treat hay fever, it can also be used for year-round allergies, most commonly animals and house dust. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Itchiness
• A runny nose
• Itchy, red eyes

How does Dymista work?

Dymista nasal spray contains both a corticosteroid and an antihistamine, meaning it offers a powerful dual-action defence against symptoms of allergies affecting the nose and eyes.

Azelastine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine that acts on the immediate phase reaction of allergies to reduce itching, sneezing, and running of the nose. It can also alleviate eye symptoms. Propionate is a type of medication called a corticosteroid that acts on the later phase inflammatory reaction to reduce inflammation.

How long does Dymista stay in your system?

If possible, you should start using Dymista a few days before you expect to come into contact with known allergens. You may feel Dymista nasal spray start to work as soon as 30 minutes after first taking it, but it could be several days before you feel its full benefits. The effects of Dymista generally wear off between 12 and 48 hours after use.

Dymista nasal spray alternatives

Dymista is an effective steroid nasal spray that is only available on prescription. Some people may want to try over-the-counter (OTC) medicines first to see if they effectively treat hay fever symptoms, rather than seeking prescription-only treatment straight away.

There are plenty of alternative hay fever medicines that can be used instead of — or in some cases alongside — Dymista nasal spray. These are some of the Dymista alternative treatments available here at The Independent Pharmacy:

• Over-the-counter antihistamine tablets: Piriton, Loratadine and Cetirizine
• Prescription antihistamine tablets: Telfast and Xyzal
• Over-the-counter steroidal nasal sprays: Pirinase and Beclometasone
• Prescription-only nasal sprays: Avamys, Flixonase, Rhinolast and Nasonex
• Eye drop solutions: Opticrom and Optilast

You can find the above medicines and more over on our hay fever treatments page. If you don’t see any positive results from using OTC products, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of using a prescription treatment.

Some non-medicinal methods can help you prevent and treat hay fever symptoms, such as:

• Wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen (or other irritants)
• Keeping all windows and doors closed and minimising the time you spend outside on days with high pollen counts
• Keeping your car windows closed when driving
• Showering regularly to remove any trapped pollen from your skin and hair
• Changing into new clothes if you’ve been outside
• Avoiding drying your clothes outside

These preventative methods can help to decrease hay fever symptoms and may be enough for some people who suffer from hay fever. Others may need to use effective medical treatments such as Dymista nasal spray to reduce their symptoms.

Sources

• Dymista, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9450.pdf
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroid-nasal-sprays/

Dymista dosage

The recommended Dymista dosage for adults and children over 12 years is 1 spray in each nostril in the morning and evening. This medicine is not recommended for children under 12.

• Shake the bottle gently for 5 seconds
• Remove the protective cap
• Blow your nose to clear your nostrils
• Keep your head tilted downwards (looking towards your toes)
• Holding the bottle upright, carefully insert the spray tip into one nostril
• Close your other nostril with your finger
• Firmly press the spray button once, sniffing gently as you do so
• Breathe out through your mouth
• Repeat in your other nostril

You should not exceed the recommended Dymista dosage. Using this product to excess isn’t likely to cause any serious problems, but it may increase your chances of experiencing adverse side effects.

Dymista ingredients

The active ingredients in Dymista nasal spray are: 137 micrograms of azelastine hydrochloride (an antihistamine) and 50 micrograms of fluticasone propionate (a steroid).

Dymista nasal spray also contains the following inactive ingredients: disodium edetate, glycerol, microcrystalline cellulose, carmellose sodium, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, phenylethyl alcohol, and purified water.

Dymista side effects

The most common side effects associated with Dymista nasal spray are:

• Nosebleeds
• Headaches
• Bitter or unpleasant tastes or smells (you can clear these by eating or drinking)

Uncommon side effects of Dymista nasal spray can include:

• Mild irritation in the nose or throat
• Dryness in the nose or throat

Visit our Dymista side effects guide for more information on side effects or consult the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you experience any side effects not listed here, stop using Dymista nasal spray and consult your GP immediately.

Dymista warnings

Before using Dymista nasal spray, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’ve ever had one or more of the following:

• A nose operation
• An untreated infection, particularly in your nose
• Tuberculosis
• Liver disease
• Glaucoma and/or cataracts
• Impaired adrenal function

Dymista and other medicines

You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’ve ever taken one or more of the following:

• HIV medicines e.g. ritonavir
• Antifungal medicines e.g. ketoconazole

Do not take other nasal steroidal medicines at the same time as Dymista nasal spray.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use.