What is DIG and why do we prescribe it?
- Posted on: Jul 26 2022
If you have ever been treated for a sinus infection at our office, you may have been prescribed a nasal spray called “DIG”. DIG is a compounded nasal spray made by a specialty pharmacy that contains multiple ingredients to treat sinus infection:
- Dexamethasone (a topical steroid)
- Itraconazole (an anti-fungal medication used to treat fungal infections)
- Gentamicin (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections)
Because sinus infection can be bacterial in nature, fungal, or a combination of both, DIG nasal spray can help treat multiple types of infections at once. The dexamethasone component of the spray is a topical steroid that reduces swelling, allowing the sinuses to open and drain.
The three ingredients in DIG work together to provide a potent cocktail that provides a high probability that a sinus infection will clear.
If I am getting oral medications like antibiotics, why would I need a nasal spray as well?
Just like if you have an infection on the skin surface, you may be prescribed an oral antibiotic in addition to a topical antibiotic ointment to treat the infection. The same holds true for the sinus cavities.
Oral antibiotics circulate through the bloodstream and travel to the sinuses to treat infection, while a topical spray like DIG can more directly target the lining of the nose and sinuses to aid in the clearance of infection.
In addition, DIG can be a great solution when the infection is isolated to the lining of the sinuses, preventing the need for an oral antibiotic.
Compounded nasal sprays like DIG can also be personalized for each patient depending on their needs. If a patient has a drug allergy or requires treatment with a different antibiotic, the ingredients can be easily modified.
Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, drainage, or think you may have a sinus infection we recommend talking to one of our providers for more information about which treatment option may be right for you. To request a consultation, call or securely text us at 512-601-0303 or complete our request an appointment form.
Tagged with: DIG, nasal spray, sinus infection
Posted in: Sinus and Nasal, Sinus Infection
