Fluticasone nasal spray
What is fluticasone nasal spray?
FLUTICASONE (Flonase®) is a corticosteroid. Fluticasone treats nasal symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies such as sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffy nose. Generic fluticasone nasal spray is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use fluticasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma
- have been taking other corticosteroid treatments regularly
- infection, such as chickenpox, tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection
- nosebleeds
- an unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Fluticasone nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Avoid spraying in the eyes. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the spray gently before use. Before the first use, you will need to prime the spray pump. You will also need to do prime the pump if you have not used it for a week or more. To prime the pump, hold the bottle upright with the nasal applicator pointing away from you. Press down and release the pump 6 times or until a fine spray appears.
To use the spray, first blow your nose gently. Close one nostril. Tilt your head and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the open nostril. As you start to breathe in through your nose, press firmly down on the applicator to release one spray. Breathe inward through the nose. Breathe out through your mouth. If a second spray is required in that nostril, repeat the steps. Repeat the steps for the other nostril. Wipe the nasal applicator with a clean tissue and replace the dust cover. Do not use the inhaler for more than one person. Do not use extra doses or use more of this medicine than your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This nasal spray has been used in children 4 years of age and older.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with fluticasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using fluticasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- blurred vision or other vision change
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- nausea, vomiting
- frequent nosebleeds
- stomach pain
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- white patches or sores in the mouth or nose
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- burning, dryness, or irritation inside the nose
- headache
- nosebleed
- unpleasant taste
- throat irritation
What should I watch for while taking fluticasone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Some symptoms may improve within 12 hours after starting use. However, it can take 2 or 3 days before your symptoms fully respond. Use the spray at regular intervals; effectiveness depends on regular use. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement in your condition after 3 weeks of use. Do not stop using fluticasone except on your prescriber’s advice.
Avoid becoming exposed to the measles or chickenpox. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 4 and 30 degrees C (39 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 12/13/2005 5:08:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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