Flonase Nasal Spray

What is Flonase Nasal Spray and what is it used for?

Flonase NAsal Spray is a medical remedy in the form or nasal spray containing Fluticasone Propionate that prevents release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It is used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itchy or watery eyes caused by seasonal cold or allergies. This is an OTC drug available without prescription and can only be used by adults and children above 4 years old.

General precautions to be taken before using Flonase Nasal Spray

There are few points about your health that need to be observed and discussed with your physician before venturing to use Flonase. Firstly you should check whether your eyes have glaucoma or cataracts, liver ailments, diabetes, herpes simplex virus of eyes, tuberculosis or any infection, sores or ulcers in your nasal track or if you recently had injury or surgery on your nose. Give yourself a week for Flonase therapy. If your problems persist after one week of using Flonase then you must speak to your physician.

Avoid getting close or in proximity with people having infections like chicken pox or measles while you are on Flonase therapy. This is because the drug lowers your blood cells that help you fight infections. These infections can even prove fatal in subjects on Flonase therapy. Corticosteroid is known to hamper growth in children. So it is advisable not to give drug to kids below age of 4 as it can potentially hamper their normal growth. Consult your physician before administering the drug to children.

If you are diabetic then you should first consult your doctor as Flonase is known to increase glucose (sugar) level in your blood or urine. Also if you are pregnant you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your condition and check whether the drug is safe for you and your growing baby. Nursing mothers should also confirm with their doctor before taking the drug. It is always safe to consult your doctor before taking any drug.

Method of dosage of Flonase Nasal Spray

Shake the nasal spray every time before use. Use the nasal spray as directed by your physician. Do not set your own dose limit and frequency. Do not use it longer than prescribed by the physician. Sharing your spray with others in family may cause infection or other side effects. Your personal spray should remain for your personal use only. Usually the spray is recommended to be used once or twice in a day by spraying once or twice in each nostril.

If you have been on other steroid medication before switching to Fluticasone Propionate (Flonase) then you should not suddenly stop taking the earlier medicine as the Cold Turkey effect may result in serious withdrawal symptoms. You need to talk with your physician and start the process of tapering down the intake of steroid medication slowly and steadily.

Flonase takes approximately a week to 8 days to show its effects. If your conditions persist after 8 days then you should consult your doctor. The drug is effective in treating rhinitis in adults and children between 4 to 11 years of age. Do not panic and use extra medicine in case of missed dose. Continue with your next dose. Overdose can cause mild to serious side effects and it should be avoided.

Side effects of Flonase Nasal Spray

If you are allergic to the active ingredient of Fluticasone Propionate then you should stay away from the drug Flonase. Report to your nearest physician in case you encounter the following side effects:

• Persistent nose bleeding
• Crusting around your nostril walls, noisy breathing or runny nose
• Redness, sores or white patches in mouth or throat
• Blurred vision, pain in the eyes, halos around bright lights

Headache, depression accompanied with weakness and feeling light headed.