Flonase Nasal Spray (Fluticasone)

Do’s

• Administer Flonase nasal spray by the intranasal route only. 
• Prime Flonase nasal spray before using it for the first time or after a period of non-use by releasing 6 sprays into the air away from the face. 
• Shake Flonase nasal spray gently before each use. 
• Use Flonase nasal spray at regular intervals since its effectiveness depends on its regular use. 
• Take two sprays of Flonase, as an adult, in each nostril once a day for the first week. After that, use one or two sprays in each nostril once a day as needed. 
• Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist after six months of daily use. 
• Take one spray in each nostril once a day for children ages 4 to 11, under adult supervision. 
• Check with a healthcare provider if symptoms continue for more than two months for children. 
• Take the adult dose for children ages 12 and up. 
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual problems or serious side effects while using Flonase nasal spray. 
• Store Flonase nasal spray between 39°F and 86°F (4°C and 30°C). 

Don'ts

• Do not exceed the maximum total daily dosage of 2 sprays in each nostril. 
• Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your healthcare provider's approval. 

The maximum effect of Flonase nasal spray may take several days, and individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and different degrees of symptom relief. There is no evidence that exceeding the recommended dose is more effective. While many people may feel the effects after the first dose, it may take 3 to 4 days of regular use for the full effect on allergy symptoms. Nasal steroids like Flonase are most effective when used regularly for long-term relief. Other medications can affect the removal of fluticasone from your body, which may affect how fluticasone works. 

Common Side effects of Flonase nasal spray

• Nasal irritation, dryness, or discomfort.
• Nosebleeds.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Flonase nasal spray,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Before taking  Flonase nasal spray, it is important to be aware of certain warnings and precautions:

1. Local Nasal Effects: Flonase nasal spray may lead to adverse reactions such as epistaxis (nosebleeds), nasal ulceration, nasal septal perforation, and impaired wound healing. Do not use Flonase if you have recently had nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma until healing has occurred.
2. Glaucoma and Cataracts: Nasal and inhaled corticosteroids, including Flonase, have been associated with an increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in vision while using Flonase.
3. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with the use of Flonase nasal spray. If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek immediate medical attention.
4. Discontinuation Syndrome: Abruptly stopping Flonase nasal spray may result in discontinuation symptoms. Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider when discontinuing the medication.
5. Other Precautions: Before using Flonase nasal spray, inform your healthcare provider if you have glaucoma or cataracts, liver disease, diabetes, herpes simplex virus of the eyes, tuberculosis, any other infection, sores or ulcers inside your nose, or if you have recently had nasal injury or surgery.