10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures Take the Quiz on Allergies 9322217 Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Anticholinergic Nasal Sprays

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is a prescription medication that can be used to reduce runny nose.

• How anticholinergic nasal sprays work: When sprayed into each nostril, anticholinergic nasal sprays decrease secretions from the glands lining the nasal passage. This diminishes the symptom of runny nose.



• Who should not use these medications: Individuals who are allergic to any components of the nasal spray should not take this drug.



• Use: The usual dosage is one to two sprays in each nostril two to three times per day. This is not typically used as a first-line drug in the treatment of hay fever but may be useful in some cases for severe and uncontrollable runny nose.



• Drug or food interactions: Since this spray has little or no effect beyond the area applied, it is unlikely to interact with other drugs.



• Side effects: Anticholinergic nasal sprays may cause an excessively dry nose, thereby causing nosebleeds or irritation.