Drug name:
Flonase
Flonase®
is a nasal corticosteroid that works directly
on nasal tissue to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Flonase® treats itching, runny nose, postnasal drip, nasal congestion
and sneezing in people with a history of
rhinitis. |
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How to use Flonase
To get the
most benefit from Flonase, make sure you
understand how to use the nasal spray properly. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pump and
nasal adapter. Shake Flonase gently before each use. Before
using Flonase for the first time, the unit must
be "primed" with 3 to 4 pumps of the spray. Use this
medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use more than
two sprays in each nostril daily. It may take a few days
before the benefits of the medication are noticed. If no
improvement occurs after several days, notify your
doctor.
Flonase Side effects
The more
common side effects of Flonase are nose bleeding, blood in nasal
mucus, or nasal burning or irritation. Less common or
rare occurrences are headache, sneezing, runny nose,
nasal dryness, congestion, or stomach upset. If these
effects continue or become bothersome, inform your
doctor. Long-term use of nasal steroids may cause fungal
infections of the nose or throat. Inform your doctor if
you develop an infection. Flonase may be
discontinued while the infection is treated. Very
unlikely to occur but report: vision problems, headache,
increased thirst or urination, unusual weakness, weight
loss, nausea, dizziness. In the very unlikely event you
have an allergic reaction to Flonase, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Flonase Precautions
Tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of: any
allergies, eye problems (glaucoma), infections, recent
nasal surgery, nasal sores. If you are prescribed doses
higher than those usually recommended, avoid exposure to
chickenpox or measles. If you do become exposed, notify
your doctor promptly. Though very unlikely, it is
possible Flonase will be absorbed into your
bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that
may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is
especially true for children and for those who have used
this for an extended period if they also have serious
medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or
surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year
after stopping use of Flonase. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Flonase should be
used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known
if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised in
children as this drug may affect growth patterns.
Consult child's doctor. Avoid use in children under 4.
Drug interactions
Tell
your doctor of all other prescription or nonprescription
medicines you use, especially of: other nasal products
(such as cold products), other corticosteroids (e.g.,
prednisone), antibiotics. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Flonase Overdose
If Flonase overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately.
Notes
Do not share Flonase with others. Watering or itching eyes often
associated with allergies are not significantly relieved
by Flonase.
Flonase 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.
Flonase Storage
Store Flonase at room
temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.