Flonase Nasal Spray (Fluticasone)

What is Flonase Nasal Spray?

Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate) is a nasal spray that contains corticosteroid fluticasone. Its chemical name is S-(fluoromethyl) 6(alpha),9-difluoro-11(beta)-17-dihydroxy -16(alpha)-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17(beta)-carbothioate, 17-propionate. It prevents the release of inflammation-causing substances in the body.

What is Flonase Nasal Spray used for?

Flonase is indicated for the treatment of seasonal and year-round, allergic and non allergic nasal symptoms like congestion, itching, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, or postnasal drip. The medicine is administered to adults and children aged 4 years and above.

How does Flonase Nasal Spray work?

Flonase works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passage.

How to use Flonase Nasal Spray

Flonase should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken once daily. 1 to 2 sprays are put into each nostril. Shake the medicine well before use and spray at least 6 test sprays in the air. Keep it away from your face. Do this if you have left the cap off for more than 4 days or when you have not used it for more than 30 days. Keep on spraying until a fine mist appears.

Flonase Nasal Spray warnings and precautions

Before using Flonase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drug or if you have liver disease, cataract or glaucoma, herpes simplex virus of eyes, tuberculosis, sores or ulcers in nose. Do not take this drug without consulting your doctor if you have had an injury or surgery on your nose recently.

Prior to taking Flonase, tell your doctor if you use antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), or HIV medication such as ritonavir (Kaletra, Norvir).

Avoid being close to people who are sick or have infections. If you get exposed to chicken pox or measles, contact your doctor right away as the condition may be fatal.

Rinse your eyes immediately if the medicine gets into your eyes. Do not give this medicine to children below the age of 4 years as this can affect their growth.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Flonase Nasal Spray dose?

If you have missed your Flonase dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Flonase Nasal Spray overdose?

If you have taken a Flonase overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Flonase Nasal Spray interactions

Before taking Flonase, consult your doctor if you take HIV medication such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), or antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole (Nizoral). Such drugs can interact with Flonase.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Flonase Nasal Spray side effects

Flonase side effects include hives, severe nose bleed, vision problems, fever, chills, sores in the nose, body ache, flu symptoms, breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Flonase, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, sinus pain, sore throat, cough, minor nose bleed, back ache, menstrual problems, sores or white patches in or around the nose; and decreased sex drive are some less serious side effects of Flonase.