Nasal Spray: Review Article

A nasal spray is a liquid medication delivered into the nasal cavity through a spray device for local or systemic therapeutic effects. It is a non-invasive drug delivery system that offers several advantages, including ease of administration, rapid onset of action, avoidance of first-pass metabolism, and improved patient compliance. The nasal cavity has a rich blood supply and a large surface area, which enables quick absorption of drugs directly into the bloodstream. Additionally, nasal sprays can deliver drugs directly to the brain through the olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways, bypassing the blood–brain barrier. This makes them suitable not only for treating local conditions such as allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, and sinusitis but also for systemic conditions like migraines, hormonal deficiencies, and certain neurological disorders. Nasal sprays can be formulated as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, or dry powders and often contain excipients to enhance drug absorption, stability, and patient comfort. Their user-friendly design allows for self-administration, making them a convenient and effective alternative to oral or injectable routes of drug delivery. With ongoing advancements in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and formulation science, nasal sprays are expected to play an even larger role in drug delivery. Innovations such as mucoadhesive nanoparticles, thermosensitive gels, and targeted delivery systems are expanding the potential of nasal drug delivery for complex conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and systemic infections. This review discusses the key parameters influencing nasal spray performance, emphasizing the morphological, physiological, histological characteristics of the nasal cavity, Ideal drug candidates, possible drugs for nasal spray, nasal spray devices that are used to introduced drug into nasal cavity. Components of nasal spray container and that affect drug formulations and pharmacokinetics.