The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions when using a nasal steroid spray:

• If your nasal spray comes in a canister, make sure you wash the canister device thoroughly at least once each week.
• Before you spray, sniff air into each nostril to be sure the passageways are clear.
• Point the nozzle straight toward the back of your head so that you don't waste the medicine.
• The medicine should not drip down the back of your throat or from your nose.
• Stop using the spray if you have nosebleeds or pain in your nose. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor.
• Give the spray time to work. You may not see results for up to two weeks.