Generic name: fluticasone nasal (floo TIK a sone)
Brand name: Flonase, Veramyst, Xhance, Childrens Flonase, Flonase Sensimist, Flonase Allergy Relief, Good Sense Nasoflow, Good Sense Children's Allergy Relief, Good Sense Allergy Relief (Fluticasone)
Dosage forms: nasal spray (27.5 mcg/inh; 50 mcg/inh; 93 mcg/inh)
Drug class: Nasal steroids
Fluticasone nasal (for the nose) is a steroid medicine that is used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
The Xhance brand of fluticasone nasal is for use only in adults. Veramyst may be used in children as young as 2 years old. Flonase is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.
Fluticasone nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use fluticasone nasal if you are allergic to it.
Fluticasone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- sores or ulcers inside your nose;
- injury of or surgery on your nose;
- glaucoma or cataracts;
- liver disease;
- diabetes;
- a weak immune system; or
- any type of infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic).
If you use fluticasone nasal without a prescription and you have any medical conditions, ask a doctor or pharmacist if fluticasone nasal is safe for you.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How should I use fluticasone nasal?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Your dose will depend on the fluticasone brand or strength you use, and your dose may change once your symptoms improve. Follow all dosing instructions very carefully.
A child using the nasal spray should be supervised by an adult.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Shake the nasal spray just before each use.
If you switched to fluticasone from another steroid medicine, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
It may take several days before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
Store fluticasone nasal in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw the spray bottle away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of fluticasone nasal is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of steroid medicine can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using fluticasone nasal?
Avoid getting the spray in your eyes or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using fluticasone nasal.
Fluticasone nasal side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash; feeling light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing nosebleeds;
- noisy breathing, runny nose, or crusting around your nostrils;
- redness, sores, or white patches in your mouth or throat;
- fever, chills, body aches;
- blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- any wound that will not heal; or
- signs of a hormonal disorder--worsening tiredness or muscle weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting.
Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal.
Common side effects may include:
- minor nosebleed, burning or itching in your nose;
- sores or white patches inside or around your nose;
- cough, trouble breathing;
- headache, back pain;
- sinus pain, sore throat, fever; or
- nausea, vomiting.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Fluticasone nasal dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Rhinitis:
Fluticasone furoate: 2 sprays (27.5 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day
Fluticasone propionate: 1 or 2 sprays (50 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day as needed
Comments:
Fluticasone furoate:
-When maximum benefit has been achieved and symptoms have been controlled, reducing the dosage to 55 mcg (1 spray in each nostril) once a day may be effective.
Use: Treatment of symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Rhinitis:
2 to 11 years:
Fluticasone furoate: 1 spray (27.5 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day
4 to 11 years:
Fluticasone propionate: 1 spray (50 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day
12 years or older:
Fluticasone furoate: 2 sprays (27.5 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day
Fluticasone propionate: 1 or 2 sprays (50 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day as needed
Comments:
Fluticasone furoate:
-Children between 2 to 11 years not adequately responding to 55 mcg may use 110 mcg (2 sprays in each nostril) once a day.
-When maximum benefit has been achieved and symptoms have been controlled, reducing the dosage to 55 mcg (1 spray in each nostril) once a day may be effective.
Use: Treatment of symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis
What other drugs will affect fluticasone nasal?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- antifungal medicine; or
- antiviral medicine to treat hepatis C or HIV/AIDS.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect fluticasone nasal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.