Sometimes the instructions for administration of a drug by nasal spray may be ambiguous, resulting in overadministration. The instructions for a potent medication with overdosage potential should be clear and specific.
Most nasal sprays are given in both nostrils at the same time, with the dose split between the two nostrils.
Some drugs (calcitonin, DDAVP, sumatriptan) may be administered with one spray per day into one nostril, which alternates every day. If the person sprays the drug once into each nostril, then an overdose may occur.
If the person uses more than one type of nasal spray, then the sprays should be used at different times to prevent confusion and possible interactions.
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