Enhancing Home-Based Care with Intranasal Drug Delivery

In the realm of home-based palliative care, simplicity and speed are paramount. Providing intranasal drug administration options for lay caregivers can significantly improve patient outcomes and caregiver confidence. A recent study compared intranasal (IN) and subcutaneous (SC) methods to determine which is more feasible for non-medical professionals. The results highlights a clear preference for the nasal route over the traditional subcutaneous injection.

Clinical Advantages of Intranasal Drug Administration

The study involved 31 volunteers who received training in both methods. Participants found that the intranasal route was substantially faster. On average, preparing and administering an IN dose took about 1 minute and 16 seconds. In contrast, the subcutaneous method required nearly five minutes. Because time is critical during breakthrough pain or crises, this difference is clinically significant. Furthermore, nearly all participants rated the nasal route as easier and more comfortable.

Moreover, safety remains a primary concern for home caregivers. The researchers observed fewer handling errors when volunteers used nasal sprays. While many participants had prior experience with nasal sprays for personal use, none had administered them to another adult professionally. Despite this, they felt more secure using the IN route. Consequently, training programs should focus on these user-friendly methods to empower family members. This approach aligns with modern palliative goals of maintaining patient comfort while reducing the technical burden on relatives.

Overcoming Challenges with Injectable Medications

Subcutaneous administration often feels complex and cumbersome to medical laypersons. In this study, 97% of participants found the SC method more difficult to manage. This complexity often leads to anxiety, which can delay essential symptom management. Therefore, healthcare providers in India should consider intranasal alternatives when prescribing medications for home use. This shift can reduce the burden on families and ensure patients receive timely relief without the stress associated with needles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the intranasal route considered faster than subcutaneous injection?

Intranasal administration is faster because it requires less preparation time and simplifies the delivery process. For laypersons, using a spray is more intuitive than handling needles and syringes, which significantly reduces the total time required for administration.

Does intranasal administration reduce caregiver anxiety?

Yes, because the nasal route is less invasive and easier to learn, caregivers report feeling more confident. Reducing the technical complexity of drug delivery helps minimize the fear of making errors during critical moments of patient distress.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or a professional recommendation. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

Hirschinger H et al. Feasibility of Intranasal Versus Subcutaneous Drug Administration: A Non-Randomised Crossover Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2026 Feb 17. doi: 10.1177/10499091261427444. PMID: 41700441.

Prommer E. Intranasal drug delivery in palliative care: a review. J Palliat Med. 2012;15(10):1150-1158.

Ingielewicz A, et al. Palliative patients who may benefit from intranasal delivery of symptomatic drugs. Support Care Cancer. 2025;33(2):107.