What is fluticasone nasal? 

Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. 

Fluticasone nasal is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by  seasonal or year-round allergies. 

Fluticasone may also be used for  other purposes not listed  in this medication guide. 

What  is the most important information I should know about fluticasone nasal? 

Before using fluticasone nasal, tell  your doctor if  you are using antifungal medications such  as ketoconazole (Nizoral),  or HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra). 

While using fluticasone nasal, tell  your doctor if  you have severe or ongoing nose bleed, vision problems, sores in the nose that won't heal, or if you have fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms. 

Shake  the medicine bottle well just before each use. It  may take up to  several days of using this medicine  before your symptoms improve. Tell your  doctor if your symptoms do  not improve  after a week  of treatment. Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw  the medication  away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is  still medicine left in  the bottle. 

Fluticasone nasal can lower  the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who  are sick  or have infections. Call your doctor  for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox  or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal  in people who are using fluticasone nasal. 

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old without  the advice of a doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk  with your doctor if you think  your child is not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone nasal? 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if  you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may  not be able to use fluticasone nasal  until you are well. 

Also tell  your doctor if you  are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: 

• glaucoma or cataracts; 
• liver disease; 
• herpes simplex virus of  your eyes; 
• tuberculosis or any  other infection or illness; 
• sores or ulcers inside  your nose; or 
• if you have recently had injury of or surgery  on your nose.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fluticasone nasal is harmful  to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell  your doctor if  you are pregnant or plan  to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm  a nursing baby. Do not use fluticasone nasal without telling  your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication  to a child younger than 4 years old without  the advice of  a doctor. Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk  with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using fluticasone nasal. 

How should I use fluticasone nasal? 

Use  this medication exactly as  it was prescribed for you. Do not use  the medication in larger amounts, or use it for  longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on  your prescription label. 

The usual dose  of fluticasone nasal  is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. 

Before using  the spray for  the first time, you must prime  the spray pump. Shake  the medicine well  and spray 6 test sprays into  the air  and away from your face. Prime  the spray pump any time you have  not used  your nasal spray for longer than 30 days, or if  you have left the cap off for 5 days or longer.  Spray until a fine mist appears. 

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

[Watch page ]

EditText of this page (last edited June 7, 2010)