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A [[nasal septum perforation]] is a medical condition in which the [[nasal septum]], the [[cartilage|bony/cartilaginous]] wall dividing the [[nostrils|nasal cavities]], develops a hole or fissure.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Downs |first1=Brian W. |title=Septal Perforation |date=2023 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537208/ |work=StatPearls |access-date=2023-10-17 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=30725893 |last2=Sauder |first2=Haley M.}}</ref>
A [[nasal septum perforation]] is a medical condition in which the [[nasal septum]], the [[cartilage|bony/cartilaginous]] wall dividing the [[nostrils|nasal cavities]], develops a hole or fissure.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Downs |first1=Brian W. |title=Septal Perforation |date=2023 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537208/ |work=StatPearls |access-date=2023-10-17 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=30725893 |last2=Sauder |first2=Haley M.}}</ref>

Non-infective causes include [[cocaine addiction|cocaine abuse]], chronic use of [[topical decongestant]], [[methamphetamine]].


== Advantages ==
== Advantages ==
The nasal cavity is covered by a thin mucosa which is well vascularised.<ref>D.F. Proctor and I. Andersen. The nose. Upper airway physiology and the atmospheric environment , Elsevier Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, 1982.</ref> Therefore, a drug molecule can be transferred quickly across the single epithelial cell layer directly to the systemic blood circulation without first-pass hepatic and intestinal metabolism. The effect is often reached within 5 min for [[Small molecule|smaller drug molecules]].<ref>Y.W. Chien, K.S.E. Su, and S.-F. Chang. Nasal systemic drug delivery, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1989.</ref> Nasal administration can therefore be used as an alternative to oral administration, by crushing or grinding tablets or capsules and snorting or sniffing the resulting powder, providing a rapid onset of effects. If a fast effect is desired or if the drug is extensively degraded in the gut or liver,<ref name="Fransén 2008">{{cite thesis |last1=Fransén |first1=Nelly |date=2008 |title=Studies on a Novel Powder Formulation for Nasal Drug Delivery |type=PhD dissertation |publisher=Uppsala University |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Auu%3Adiva-9292 |isbn=978-91-554-7288-7}}</ref> drugs which are poorly absorbed orally can also be given by this route.
The nasal cavity is covered by a thin mucosa which is well vascularised.<ref>D.F. Proctor and I. Andersen. The nose. Upper airway physiology and the atmospheric environment , Elsevier Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, 1982.</ref> Therefore, a drug molecule can be transferred quickly across the single epithelial cell layer directly to the systemic blood circulation without first-pass hepatic and intestinal metabolism. The effect is often reached within 5 min for [[Small molecule|smaller drug molecules]].<ref>Y.W. Chien, K.S.E. Su, and S.-F. Chang. Nasal systemic drug delivery, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1989.</ref> Nasal administration can therefore be used as an alternative to oral administration, by crushing or grinding tablets or capsules and snorting or sniffing the resulting powder, providing a rapid onset of effects. If a fast effect is desired or if the drug is extensively degraded in the gut or liver.<ref name="Fransén 2008">{{cite thesis |last1=Fransén |first1=Nelly |date=2008 |title=Studies on a Novel Powder Formulation for Nasal Drug Delivery |type=PhD dissertation |publisher=Uppsala University |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Auu%3Adiva-9292 |isbn=978-91-554-7288-7}}</ref>


Large-molecule drugs can also be delivered directly to the brain by the intranasal route, the only practical means of doing so, following the olfactory and trigeminal nerves [[Nasal administration#Olfactory transfer|(see section below)]], for widespread central distribution throughout the [[central nervous system]] with little exposure to the blood.<ref name="Thorne 1995">{{cite journal |last1=Thorne |first1=RG |last2=Emory |first2=ER |last3=Ala |first3=TA |last4=Frey |first4=William II |title=Quantitative analysis of the olfactory pathway for drug delivery to the brain |journal=Brain Research |date=September 18, 1995 |volume=692 |issue=1–2 |pages=278–282 |doi=10.1016/0006-8993(95)00637-6 |pmid=8548316|s2cid=11522233 }}</ref><ref name="Thorne 2004">{{cite journal |last1=Thorne |first1=RG |last2=Pronk |first2=GJ |last3=Padmanabhan |first3=V |last4=Frey |first4=WH II |title=Delivery of insulin-like growth factor-I to the rat brain and spinal cord along olfactory and trigeminal pathways following intranasal administration |journal=Neuroscience |date=2004 |volume=127 |issue=2 |pages=481–96 |doi=10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.05.029 |pmid=15262337|s2cid=40872017 }}</ref><ref name="Björn">{{cite thesis |last=Jansson |first=Björn |date=2004 |title=Models for the Transfer of Drugs from the Nasal Cavity to the Central Nervous System |type=PhD dissertation |publisher=Uppsala University |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Auu%3Adiva-3905 |access-date=18 March 2023 |isbn=91-554-5834-3}}</ref><ref name="Ulrika">{{cite thesis |last=Espefält Westin |first=Ulrika |date=2007 |title=Olfactory Transfer of Analgesic Drugs After Nasal Administration |type=PhD dissertation |publisher=Uppsala University |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Auu%3Adiva-7829 |access-date=18 March 2023 |isbn=978-91-554-6871-2}}</ref> This delivery method to the brain was functionally demonstrated in humans in 2006, using [[insulin]], a large [[peptide]] hormone that acts as a nerve growth factor in the brain.<ref name="Reger 1">{{cite journal |last1=Reger |first1=MA |last2=Watson |first2=GS |last3=Frey |first3=WH II |last4=Baker |first4=LD |last5=Cholerton |first5=B |last6=Keeling |first6=ML |last7=Belongia |first7=DA |last8=Fishel |first8=MA |last9=Plymate |first9=SR |last10=Belongia |first10=GD |last11=Cherrier |first11=MM |last12=Craft |first12=S |title=Effects of intranasal insulin on cognition in memory-impaired older adults: modulation by APOE genotype |journal=Neurobiol Aging |date=March 2006 |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=451–458 |doi=10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.03.016 |pmid=15964100|s2cid=21158378 }}</ref>
Large-molecule drugs can also be delivered directly to the brain by the intranasal route, the only practical means of doing so, following the olfactory and trigeminal nerves [[Nasal administration#Olfactory transfer|(see section below)]], for widespread central distribution throughout the [[central nervous system]] with little exposure to the blood.<ref name="Thorne 1995">{{cite journal |last1=Thorne |first1=RG |last2=Emory |first2=ER |last3=Ala |first3=TA |last4=Frey |first4=William II |title=Quantitative analysis of the olfactory pathway for drug delivery to the brain |journal=Brain Research |date=September 18, 1995 |volume=692 |issue=1–2 |pages=278–282 |doi=10.1016/0006-8993(95)00637-6 |pmid=8548316|s2cid=11522233 }}</ref><ref name="Thorne 2004">{{cite journal |last1=Thorne |first1=RG |last2=Pronk |first2=GJ |last3=Padmanabhan |first3=V |last4=Frey |first4=WH II |title=Delivery of insulin-like growth factor-I to the rat brain and spinal cord along olfactory and trigeminal pathways following intranasal administration |journal=Neuroscience |date=2004 |volume=127 |issue=2 |pages=481–96 |doi=10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.05.029 |pmid=15262337|s2cid=40872017 }}</ref><ref name="Björn">{{cite thesis |last=Jansson |first=Björn |date=2004 |title=Models for the Transfer of Drugs from the Nasal Cavity to the Central Nervous System |type=PhD dissertation |publisher=Uppsala University |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Auu%3Adiva-3905 |access-date=18 March 2023 |isbn=91-554-5834-3}}</ref><ref name="Ulrika">{{cite thesis |last=Espefält Westin |first=Ulrika |date=2007 |title=Olfactory Transfer of Analgesic Drugs After Nasal Administration |type=PhD dissertation |publisher=Uppsala University |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn%3Anbn%3Ase%3Auu%3Adiva-7829 |access-date=18 March 2023 |isbn=978-91-554-6871-2}}</ref> This delivery method to the brain was functionally demonstrated in humans in 2006, using [[insulin]], a large [[peptide]] hormone that acts as a nerve growth factor in the brain.<ref name="Reger 1">{{cite journal |last1=Reger |first1=MA |last2=Watson |first2=GS |last3=Frey |first3=WH II |last4=Baker |first4=LD |last5=Cholerton |first5=B |last6=Keeling |first6=ML |last7=Belongia |first7=DA |last8=Fishel |first8=MA |last9=Plymate |first9=SR |last10=Belongia |first10=GD |last11=Cherrier |first11=MM |last12=Craft |first12=S |title=Effects of intranasal insulin on cognition in memory-impaired older adults: modulation by APOE genotype |journal=Neurobiol Aging |date=March 2006 |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=451–458 |doi=10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.03.016 |pmid=15964100|s2cid=21158378 }}</ref>
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== Limitations ==
== Limitations ==
Nasal administration is primarily suitable for potent drugs since only a limited volume can be sprayed into the nasal cavity. Drugs for continuous and frequent administration may be less suitable because of the risk of harmful long-term effects on the nasal epithelium.<ref name="Fransén 2008"/> Nasal administration has also been associated with a high variability in the amount of drug absorbed. Upper airway infections may increase the variability as may the extent of sensory irritation of the nasal mucosa, differences in the amount of liquid spray that is swallowed and not kept in the nasal cavity and differences in the spray actuation process.<ref>H. Kublik and M.T. Vidgren. Nasal delivery systems and their effect on deposition and absorption. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 29:157-177 (1998).</ref> However, the variability in the amount absorbed after nasal administration should be comparable to that after oral administration.<ref>B.A. Coda, A.C. Rudy, S.M. Archer, and D.P. Wermeling. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of single-dose intranasal hydromorphone hydrochloride in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg. 97:117-123 (2003).</ref><ref>J. Studd, B. Pornel, I. Marton, J. Bringer, C. Varin, Y. Tsouderos, and C. Christiansen. Efficacy and acceptability of intranasal 17 beta-oestradiol for menopausal symptoms: randomised dose-response study. Aerodiol Study Group. Lancet. 353:1574-1578 (1999).</ref>
Nasal administration is primarily suitable for potent drugs since only a limited volume can be sprayed into the nasal cavity. Drugs for continuous and frequent administration may be less suitable because of the risk of harmful long-term effects on the nasal epithelium.<ref name="Fransén 2008"/> Nasal administration has also been associated with a high variability in the amount of drug absorbed. Upper airway infections may increase the variability as may the extent of sensory irritation of the nasal mucosa, differences in the amount of liquid spray that is swallowed and not kept in the nasal cavity and differences in the spray actuation process.<ref>H. Kublik and M.T. Vidgren. Nasal delivery systems and their effect on deposition and absorption. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 29:157-177 (1998).</ref> However, the variability in the amount absorbed after nasal administration should be comparable to that after oral administration.<ref>B.A. Coda, A.C. Rudy, S.M. Archer, and D.P. Wermeling. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of single-dose intranasal hydromorphone hydrochloride in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg. 97:117-123 (2003).</ref><ref>J. Studd, B. Pornel, I. Marton, J. Bringer, C. Varin, Y. Tsouderos, and C. Christiansen. Efficacy and acceptability of intranasal 17 beta-oestradiol for menopausal symptoms: randomised dose-response study. Aerodiol Study Group. Lancet. 353:1574-1578 (1999).</ref>

== Dosage forms ==

=== Nasal spray ===
[[Nasal spray]]s for local effect are quite common.

====Accessories====
[[File:Action photo of nasal spray on a black background.jpg|thumb|Pressure is applied to a nasal spray container.]]

===Powder===

====Accessories====
[[File:Two snuff bullets for snorting drugs in powder form.jpg|thumb|Two snuff bullets for snorting drugs in powder form]]

=====Kuripe=====
[[File:Kuripe.jpg|thumb|A kuripe is a simple device which is used to self-applicate a powder (drug). One end is inserted into the nostril, whilst the other is used to blow the powder forcibly up the nose.]]

The self-applicator pipe is known as ‘[[Kuripe]]’, and the blow pipe is known as a ‘[[Tepi (drug paraphernalia)|Tepi]]’ in the [[Nicotiana_rustica#South_America|Brazilian tradition]]. They are frequently used to insufflate [[#Snuff|snuff]], and [[#Yopo|yopo]].

=====Snuff tools=====
{{main|Snuff (tobacco)#Accessories}}

[[Snuff box]], [[snuff bottle]], [[snuff spoon]], are accessories used to administer snuff.


== Nasal drugs ==
== Nasal drugs ==
The area of intranasal medication delivery provides a huge opportunity for research – both for specifically developed pharmaceutical drugs designed for intranasal treatment, as well as for investigating off label uses of commonly available generic medications. Steroids, and a large number of inhalational anaesthetic agents are being used commonly. The recent developments in intranasal drug delivery systems are prodigious. Peptide drugs (hormone treatments) are also available as nasal sprays, in this case to avoid drug degradation after oral administration. The peptide analogue [[desmopressin]] is, for example, available for both nasal and oral administration, for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. The [[bioavailability]] of the commercial tablet is 0.1% while that of the nasal spray is 3-5% according to the SPC ([[Summary of Product Characteristics]]).<ref>FerringPharmaceuticals. SPC: Minirin nasal spray, Minirin Freeze-dried tablet and Minirin tablet, 2005.</ref> Syntocinon nasal spray containing oxytocin is used to increase duration and strength of contractions during labour. Intranasal oxytocin is also being actively investigated for many psychiatric conditions including alcohol withdrawal, anorexia nervosa, PTSD, autism, anxiety disorders, pain sensation and schizophrenia. Intranasal Calcitonin, calcitonin-salmon is used to treat Hypercalcaemia arising out of malignancy, Paget's disease of bone, post menopausal and steroid induced osteoporosis, Phantom limb pain and other metabolic bone abnormalities, available as Rockbone, Fortical and Miacalcin Nasal Spray. GnRH analogues like nafarelin and busurelin are used for the treatment of anovulatory infertility, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, delayed puberty and [[cryptorchidism]]. Other potential drug candidates for nasal administration include anaesthetics, antihistamines (Azelastine), antiemetics (particularly metoclopramide and ondansetron) and sedatives that all benefit from a fast onset of effect.<ref>H.R. Costantino, L. Illum, G. Brandt, P.H. Johnson, and S.C. Quay. Intranasal delivery: physicochemical and therapeutic aspects. Int J Pharm. 337:1-24 (2007).</ref> Intranasal midazolam is found to be highly effective in acute episodes of seizures in children. Recently, the upper part of the nasal cavity, as high as the cribriform plate, has been proposed for drug delivery to the brain. This "transcribrial route" published first in 2014 was suggested by the author (Baig AM. ''et al'',) for drugs to be given for Primary Meningoencephalitis <ref>Baig AM, Khan NA. Novel chemotherapeutic strategies in the management of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri.CNS Neurosci Ther. 2014 Mar;20(3):289-90. doi: 10.1111/cns.12225. Epub 2014 Jan 24</ref>
The area of intranasal medication delivery provides a huge opportunity for research – both for specifically developed pharmaceutical drugs designed for intranasal treatment, as well as for investigating off label uses of commonly available generic medications. The recent developments in intranasal drug delivery systems are prodigious.

Steroids, and a large number of inhalational anaesthetic agents are being used commonly.

Other potential drug candidates for nasal administration include anaesthetics, antihistamines (Azelastine), antiemetics (particularly metoclopramide and ondansetron) and sedatives that all benefit from a fast onset of effect.<ref>H.R. Costantino, L. Illum, G. Brandt, P.H. Johnson, and S.C. Quay. Intranasal delivery: physicochemical and therapeutic aspects. Int J Pharm. 337:1-24 (2007).</ref> Intranasal midazolam is found to be highly effective in acute episodes of seizures in children. Recently, the upper part of the nasal cavity, as high as the cribriform plate, has been proposed for drug delivery to the brain. This "transcribrial route" published first in 2014 was suggested by the author (Baig AM. ''et al'',) for drugs to be given for Primary Meningoencephalitis <ref>Baig AM, Khan NA. Novel chemotherapeutic strategies in the management of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri.CNS Neurosci Ther. 2014 Mar;20(3):289-90. doi: 10.1111/cns.12225. Epub 2014 Jan 24</ref>

More recently interest is developing on delivery of a number of peptides and other drugs to the nose for direct transport into the brain to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's. Intranasal insulin is being investigated for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

===Pharmaceuticals===

====Antiasthma medications====
Antiasthma medications such as [[salbutamol]], [[ipratropium]], [[montelukast]].

====Antimigraine drugs====
Several antimigraine drugs, available by the trade names of Imitrex- sumatriptan; Zomig - Zolmitriptan; Migranal - Dihydroergotamine and the OTC nasal spray Sinol-M; are also currently administered by nasal administration because a fast effect is desired and oral administration can be prohibited by nausea.<ref name="Fransén 2008"/>

====B12====
The drug antidote hydroxocobalamin (antidote to cyanide poisoning) are being developed via intranasal medications.

====Bevacizumab====
[[Bevacizumab]] (brand name Avastin), is used for the prevention of abnormal nasal blood vessel growth.

====Calcitonin====
Intranasal Calcitonin, calcitonin-salmon is used to treat Hypercalcaemia arising out of malignancy, Paget's disease of bone, post menopausal and steroid induced osteoporosis, Phantom limb pain and other metabolic bone abnormalities, available as Rockbone, Fortical and Miacalcin Nasal Spray.

====GnRH analogues====
GnRH analogues like nafarelin and busurelin are used for the treatment of anovulatory infertility, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, delayed puberty and [[cryptorchidism]].

====Live attenuated influenza vaccine====
The [[live attenuated influenza vaccine]] (LAIV) sold under the brand names FluMist (US) or Fluenz (Europe) is delivered intranasally. Flumist is a Quadrivalent Vaccine which contains four vaccine virus strains: an A/H1N1 strain, an A/H3N2 strain and two B strains. FluMist Quadrivalent contains B strains from both the B/Yamagata/14/88 and the B/Victoria/2/87 lineages. It has been approved by the CDC for vaccinating all eligible people between 2 and 49 years of age.

====Naloxone====
Naloxone is used intravenously in opiate addiction in emergency cases, in rapid opiate detoxification, and as a diagnostic tool. The nasal drug administration of naloxone was found to be as effective as the intravenous route. In opioid overdoses, where hypotension and sometimes damaged veins make intravenous administration difficult, nasal naloxone offers a wide margin of safety and reduced risk of infection from vessel puncture while enabling even untrained bystanders to assist a victim.

====Oxytocin====
Syntocinon nasal spray containing oxytocin is used to increase duration and strength of contractions during labour. Intranasal oxytocin is also being actively investigated for many psychiatric conditions including alcohol withdrawal, anorexia nervosa, PTSD, autism, anxiety disorders, pain sensation and schizophrenia.

====Peptide drugs====
Peptide drugs (hormone treatments) are also available as nasal sprays, in this case to avoid drug degradation after oral administration.

The peptide analogue [[desmopressin]] is, for example, available for both nasal and oral administration, for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. The [[bioavailability]] of the commercial tablet is 0.1% while that of the nasal spray is 3-5% according to the SPC ([[Summary of Product Characteristics]]).<ref>FerringPharmaceuticals. SPC: Minirin nasal spray, Minirin Freeze-dried tablet and Minirin tablet, 2005.</ref>


===Recreational drugs/entheogens===
===Recreational drugs/entheogens===
Line 117: Line 52:
The '''olfactory transfer''' of drugs into the brain is thought to occur by either slow transport inside the olfactory nerve cells to the olfactory bulb or by faster transfer along the perineural space surrounding the olfactory nerve cells into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the olfactory bulbs and the brain (8, 9) <ref>S. Mathison, R. Nagilla, and U.B. Kompella. Nasal route for direct delivery of solutes to the central nervous system: Fact or fiction? J Drug Target. 5:415-441 (1998)</ref><ref name="auto">L. Illum. Is nose-to-brain transport of drugs in man a reality? J Pharm Pharmacol. 56:3-17 (2004).</ref>
The '''olfactory transfer''' of drugs into the brain is thought to occur by either slow transport inside the olfactory nerve cells to the olfactory bulb or by faster transfer along the perineural space surrounding the olfactory nerve cells into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the olfactory bulbs and the brain (8, 9) <ref>S. Mathison, R. Nagilla, and U.B. Kompella. Nasal route for direct delivery of solutes to the central nervous system: Fact or fiction? J Drug Target. 5:415-441 (1998)</ref><ref name="auto">L. Illum. Is nose-to-brain transport of drugs in man a reality? J Pharm Pharmacol. 56:3-17 (2004).</ref>


Olfactory transfer could theoretically be used to deliver drugs that have a required effect in the central nervous system such as those for Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. Studies have been presented that show that direct transfer of drugs is achievable<ref name="auto"/><ref>U.E. Westin, E. Bostrom, J. Grasjo, M. Hammarlund-Udenaes, and E. Bjork. Direct nose-to-brain transfer of morphine after nasal administration to rats. Pharm Res. 23:565-572 (2006).</ref> but the possibility of olfactory delivery of therapeutically relevant doses to humans remains to be demonstrated.
Olfactory transfer could theoretically be used to deliver drugs that have a required effect in the central nervous system such as those for Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. Studies have been presented that show that direct transfer of drugs is achievable.<ref name="auto"/><ref>U.E. Westin, E. Bostrom, J. Grasjo, M. Hammarlund-Udenaes, and E. Bjork. Direct nose-to-brain transfer of morphine after nasal administration to rats. Pharm Res. 23:565-572 (2006).</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 04:12, 18 April 2024

A medical professional applies nose drops.

Nasal administration, popularly known as snorting, is a route of administration in which drugs are insufflated through the nose. It can be a form of either topical administration or systemic administration, as the drugs thus locally delivered can go on to have either purely local or systemic effects ibuprofen or Tylenol for headaches along with pains such as severe toothaches. Nasal sprays are locally acting drugs such as decongestants for cold and allergy treatment, whose systemic effects are usually minimal. Examples of systemically active drugs available as nasal sprays are migraine drugs, rescue medications for overdose and seizure emergencies, nicotine replacement, and hormone treatments.

Risks

Nasal septum perforation

Nasal septum perforation caused from cocaine abuse.

A nasal septum perforation is a medical condition in which the nasal septum, the bony/cartilaginous wall dividing the nasal cavities, develops a hole or fissure.[1]

Advantages

The nasal cavity is covered by a thin mucosa which is well vascularised.[2] Therefore, a drug molecule can be transferred quickly across the single epithelial cell layer directly to the systemic blood circulation without first-pass hepatic and intestinal metabolism. The effect is often reached within 5 min for smaller drug molecules.[3] Nasal administration can therefore be used as an alternative to oral administration, by crushing or grinding tablets or capsules and snorting or sniffing the resulting powder, providing a rapid onset of effects. If a fast effect is desired or if the drug is extensively degraded in the gut or liver.[4]

Large-molecule drugs can also be delivered directly to the brain by the intranasal route, the only practical means of doing so, following the olfactory and trigeminal nerves (see section below), for widespread central distribution throughout the central nervous system with little exposure to the blood.[5][6][7][8] This delivery method to the brain was functionally demonstrated in humans in 2006, using insulin, a large peptide hormone that acts as a nerve growth factor in the brain.[9]

Limitations

Nasal administration is primarily suitable for potent drugs since only a limited volume can be sprayed into the nasal cavity. Drugs for continuous and frequent administration may be less suitable because of the risk of harmful long-term effects on the nasal epithelium.[4] Nasal administration has also been associated with a high variability in the amount of drug absorbed. Upper airway infections may increase the variability as may the extent of sensory irritation of the nasal mucosa, differences in the amount of liquid spray that is swallowed and not kept in the nasal cavity and differences in the spray actuation process.[10] However, the variability in the amount absorbed after nasal administration should be comparable to that after oral administration.[11][12]

Nasal drugs

The area of intranasal medication delivery provides a huge opportunity for research – both for specifically developed pharmaceutical drugs designed for intranasal treatment, as well as for investigating off label uses of commonly available generic medications. Steroids, and a large number of inhalational anaesthetic agents are being used commonly. The recent developments in intranasal drug delivery systems are prodigious. Peptide drugs (hormone treatments) are also available as nasal sprays, in this case to avoid drug degradation after oral administration. The peptide analogue desmopressin is, for example, available for both nasal and oral administration, for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. The bioavailability of the commercial tablet is 0.1% while that of the nasal spray is 3-5% according to the SPC (Summary of Product Characteristics).[13] Syntocinon nasal spray containing oxytocin is used to increase duration and strength of contractions during labour. Intranasal oxytocin is also being actively investigated for many psychiatric conditions including alcohol withdrawal, anorexia nervosa, PTSD, autism, anxiety disorders, pain sensation and schizophrenia. Intranasal Calcitonin, calcitonin-salmon is used to treat Hypercalcaemia arising out of malignancy, Paget's disease of bone, post menopausal and steroid induced osteoporosis, Phantom limb pain and other metabolic bone abnormalities, available as Rockbone, Fortical and Miacalcin Nasal Spray. GnRH analogues like nafarelin and busurelin are used for the treatment of anovulatory infertility, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, delayed puberty and cryptorchidism. Other potential drug candidates for nasal administration include anaesthetics, antihistamines (Azelastine), antiemetics (particularly metoclopramide and ondansetron) and sedatives that all benefit from a fast onset of effect.[14] Intranasal midazolam is found to be highly effective in acute episodes of seizures in children. Recently, the upper part of the nasal cavity, as high as the cribriform plate, has been proposed for drug delivery to the brain. This "transcribrial route" published first in 2014 was suggested by the author (Baig AM. et al,) for drugs to be given for Primary Meningoencephalitis [15]

Recreational drugs/entheogens

Cocaine

Lines of cocaine prepared for snorting

Insufflation of cocaine leads to the longest duration of its effects (60–90 minutes).[16] When insufflating cocaine, absorption through the nasal membranes is approximately 30–60%[17]

Ketamine

Ketamine prepared in a spiral for "snorting". a common technique for self-administration of some recreational drugs.

Among the less invasive routes for ketamine, the intranasal route has the highest bioavailability (45–50%)[18][19]

In ketamine, commonly being used for the treatment of breakthrough pain in patients with chronic pain is now becoming an area of significant research interest for the treatment of bipolar disease and major depressive disorder with early results suggesting a strong and prolonged antidepressant effect following a single subdissociative dose (50 mg) of ketamine.

Snuff

Snuff is a type of smokeless tobacco product made from finely ground or pulverized tobacco leaves.[20] It is snorted or "sniffed" (alternatively sometimes written as "snuffed") into the nasal cavity, delivering nicotine and a flavored scent to the user (especially if flavoring has been blended with the tobacco).[20] Traditionally, it is sniffed or inhaled lightly after a pinch of snuff is either placed onto the back surface of the hand, held pinched between thumb and index finger, or held by a specially made "snuffing" device.

Yopo

Snuff trays and tubes similar to those commonly used for yopo were found in the central Peruvian coast dating back to 1200 BC, suggesting that insufflation of Anadenanthera beans is a more recent method of use.[21] Archaeological evidence of insufflation use within the period 500-1000 AD, in northern Chile, has been reported.[22]

Research

Olfactory transfer

There is about 20 mL capacity in the adult human nasal cavity.[23] The major part of the approximately 150 cm2 surface in the human nasal cavity is covered by respiratory epithelium, across which systemic drug absorption can be achieved. The olfactory epithelium is situated in the upper posterior part and covers approximately 10 cm2 of the human nasal cavity. The nerve cells of the olfactory epithelium project into the olfactory bulb of the brain, which provides a direct connection between the brain and the external environment. The transfer of drugs to the brain from the blood circulation is normally hindered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is virtually impermeable to passive diffusion of all but small, lipophilic substances. However, if drug substances can be transferred along the olfactory nerve cells, they can bypass the BBB and enter the brain directly.[7][8]

The olfactory transfer of drugs into the brain is thought to occur by either slow transport inside the olfactory nerve cells to the olfactory bulb or by faster transfer along the perineural space surrounding the olfactory nerve cells into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the olfactory bulbs and the brain (8, 9) [24][25]

Olfactory transfer could theoretically be used to deliver drugs that have a required effect in the central nervous system such as those for Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. Studies have been presented that show that direct transfer of drugs is achievable.[25][26]

References

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