Medicines can be taken in different ways.  Tables, capsules or syrups are taken orally while intravenous or IV medications are administered through the veins.  Another form would be topical medicines that are applied on to the skin usually in form of ointment or gel.  There are also nasal medicines that are being used nowadays which could be in the form of a nasal spray or a nasal gel.

The nasal spray however has its disadvantages.  With the spray’s viscosity, it is more likely that the patient will experience increased nasal drip which is very uncomfortable.  There are also situations that spraying deep within the internal nasal cavity can bring pain and discomfort.  It sometimes intensifies sinusitis and may even cause sneezing or coughing.  Other possible side effect may include nose bleeding, headaches, loss of smell or loss of taste.

These effects actually lead to the manufacture and use of nasal gels.  Researches done showed that the vascular nature of the nasal mucosa can tolerate high drug permeation at a faster rate.  The olfactory region of the nose can take in the medicinal compound and quickly distributes it to the central nervous system.  Nasal gels are thicker than sprays thus preventing post-nasal drips and usually contain hydroxypropyl cellulose a compound that helps improve the absorption of medications with low molecular weight.  Most of the nasal gels available in the market include soothing agents like aloe or other moisturizers that diminishes irritation, dryness and discomfort during application.

With more hygienic application and lesser irritating effects, nasal gels are now an accepted form of medication preferred by patients.