Drug Uses
Flonase can relieve multiple nasal symptoms of congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose. Flonase Nasal Spray is for topical administration to the nasal mucosa by means of a metering, atomizing spray pump.
How Taken
To get the best results with Flonase, you should use it regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, since its effectiveness depends on regular use. Because it helps relieve inflammation, once you begin treatment you should use it once a day, every day as directed by your healthcare professional. The recommended starting dosage in adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg of this Nasal Spray propionate each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg). The same dosage divided into 100 mcg given twice daily (e.g., 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) is also effective. After the first few days, patients may be able to reduce their dosage to 100 mcg (1 spray in each nostril) once daily for maintenance therapy. Some patients (12 years of age and older) with seasonal allergic rhinitis may find as-needed use of 200 mcg once daily effective for symptom control. Greater symptom control may be achieved with scheduled regular use.
Warnings/Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use this Nasal Spray nasal if you have an infection.
This Nasal Spray is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether this Nasal Spray nasal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether this Nasal Spray passes into breast milk. Do not use without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This Nasal Spray nasal is not approved for use by children younger than 4 years of age.
Missed Dose
Use the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses to catch up.
Possible Side Effects
Serious side effects from this Nasal Spray nasal are not likely to occur. Stop using Flonase Nasal Spray nasal and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use this Nasal Spray nasal and talk to your doctor if you experience stinging or burning of the nose; sneezing after application; yeast infection in the nose or throat (white patches); bleeding nose; perforated septum (inside left of nose); increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes; headache or lightheadedness; nausea; cough; asthma symptoms; nasal stuffiness or a runny nose; or unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Overdose
An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.
