How to Avoid Side Effects When Using Flonase Nasal Spray (fluticasone)

Flonase ( fluticasone ) is a nasal spray used to treat seasonal and year-round allergies. Although it does not cure the disease, Flonase can provide relief from symptoms such as swollen nose, sneezing, stuffy, runny or itchy nose. This is a corticosteroid medication, and repeated improper use can increase side effects. However, with a little understanding and attention, you can treat allergy symptoms without the side effects of medication.

Table of Contents

Preparing to use Flonase

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Learn how Flonase works. This is a corticosteroid medication that works by stopping the body from releasing chemicals that cause allergies. ^{[1] X Source of Study} This medication specifically treats allergy symptoms, but does not provide relief from similar symptoms caused by other causes. For example, medication will help stop a runny nose caused by allergies, but won’t stop a runny nose caused by a cold. In the past, doctors often prescribed this drug if a person had persistent allergic symptoms that did not respond to over-the-counter medications. However, Flonase was recently approved as an over-the-counter drug that you can buy at your local pharmacy.

Nasal steroids (INS) sprays such as Flonase work on many inflammatory substances and help prevent the body’s release of these substances, while antihistamines only block the production of histamine.

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Be aware of side effects. ^{[2] X The Flonase Research Source} covers two types of side effects. This medication is for nasal spray, so you may experience nosebleeds, headache, sneezing, dryness or irritation of the nose and throat. Because it is a corticosteroid, you can develop upper respiratory tract infections, cataracts or glaucoma, and in children, growth retardation if used for a long time. Milder side effects may include diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Nosebleeds are the most common side effect of Flonase use. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
If other side effects such as cough, fever, headache or muscle pain, sore throat or fatigue occur, you should see your doctor. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you are taking. ^{[5] X Research Resources} Provide your doctor with a list of all over-the-counter medications you are taking, including new vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Your doctor and pharmacist can review these medications to make sure there are no negative interactions between the medications you’re taking. Some medications (such as HIV and antifungal medications) can interact with Flonase, so you and your doctor need a plan to manage drug interactions or change your treatment. This could be as simple as changing the dosage and monitoring for side effects.

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Provide family medical history. Flonase can also cause many unwanted side effects if you have or have had certain medical conditions. If you have a weakened immune system, taking corticosteroids may decrease your ability to fight inflammation. You need to give your doctor a detailed medical history. Note the following diseases known to interact badly with Flonase: ^{[6] X Research Source}

Cataract
Glaucoma (glaucoma)
Nose pain
Any infection that is not treated
Herpes infection in the eye
Recent nose surgery or nose trauma
Previously diagnosed with tuberculosis (an infection) in the lungs
Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking fluticasone, you should call your doctor right away. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Use Flonase properly

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Use Flonase as directed. ^{[8] X Research Sources} Proper use of the dose is essential to minimize adverse effects. Read the directions for use on the label and follow the correct dosage, or take exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand to make sure you are using the medication correctly.

Do not take more or less of both the amount and frequency of use prescribed by your doctor.

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Do not swallow Flonase. ^{[9] X Research Sources} The nose and mouth are closely related, so nasal sprays can sometimes run down the mouth and throat. However, Flonase is not for oral use, so this can cause unwanted side effects. Instead of swallowing it, you should spit it out and rinse your mouth.

You should also be careful not to get the medicine in your eyes or mouth. If it gets in your eyes or mouth, you need to wash it thoroughly.

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Please be patient. Don’t expect medication to cure your symptoms right away. Symptoms may subside after the first 12 hours, but it takes at least several days for maximum effect. Wait a few days for Flonase to work and take it as prescribed. It is important that you continue using fluticasone even if you feel better, or your symptoms may return. Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor. After some time, your doctor may suggest that you reduce the dose of the drug. ^{[10] X Research Source}

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Immediately tell your doctor about side effects. ^{[11] X Research Source} Notifying your doctor right away about side effects will help your doctor know how to adjust your treatment. Take special precautions if you have overdosed or have increased sensitivity. Common side effects include headache, dryness or burning inside the nasal passages, nosebleeds, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, and vomiting. ^{[12] X Research Sources} If any of these side effects are serious, contact your doctor right away. Otherwise, you need to stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

Swelling in the face, neck, feet or ankles
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Wheeze
Tired
Hives
Fever
Unexplained bruising

How to use medicine correctly

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Gently shake the spray bottle. ^{[13] X Research Source} Shake before opening the dust cap of the vial to prevent accidental release of the spray. The reason for shaking the pill bottle is the same as when you shake the bottle of fruit juice before drinking. The solution mixture sometimes separates, and shaking will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is especially important for drugs. Open the dust cover after shaking the medicine bottle.

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Primer pump if necessary. ^{[14] X Research Source} When using for the first time or after more than a week of not using, you must prime the bottle. Hold the pump head upright between the index and middle fingers. Thumb supports the bottom of the bottle. Point the pump mouth away from the face and body.

If using for the first time, you need to press the pump head 6 times to create pressure.
If using a previously used bottle, you need to press down on the pump head until a thin spray is released.

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Blow your nose. ^{[15] X Research Sources} Before using the nasal spray, you need to clear the nasal passages. Otherwise, the medication will get stuck in the anterior nostril and reduce its effectiveness. Blow your nose until both nostrils are completely clear.

Do not blow your nose after spraying. ^{[16] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Place the tip of the bottle in the nostril. ^{[17] X Research Source} Tilt your head slightly forward and carefully place the bottle in one nostril. Be sure to hold the tip of the bottle between your thumb and index finger, and use another finger to cover the other nostril. You should hold the pump tip between your index and middle fingers, with your thumb supporting the bottom of the bottle.

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Inject. ^{[18] X Source of Study} Inhale through the nose, while simultaneously pressing the tip of the pump to spray the medication into the nostrils. Inhale normally through the nostril that is pumping the medication, but exhale through the mouth. This will keep you from blowing the medicine back out through your nose. Repeat the above steps with the other nostril.

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Keep the medicine bottle clean. ^{[19] X Research Sources} Poor hygiene can increase the risk of infection with repeated use. After each use, you need to wipe it with a clean towel and close the lid. The nasal spray bottle should be cleaned at least once a week. Open the cap and pull the pump head up to remove it. Rinse the cap and pump head with warm water. Allow to dry at room temperature and reinsert it into the vial.

Be careful when using Flonase

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Immediately report illness if any. Flonase belongs to a class of corticosteroid drugs and can reduce the body’s ability to fight inflammation, so you need to be extra cautious when using it. If you get sick, you need to tell your doctor right away. Always provide a list of any medications you are taking, remembering to include fluticasone inhaler/spray.

Advice

Flonase is a type of steroid called a corticosteroid . Fluticasone works by inhibiting many types of cells and chemicals that cause allergic, inflammatory and immune responses due to overactivity. When using an inhaler or nasal spray, the medicine goes directly to the lining of the nose and is very little absorbed into the body.
If you are taking steroids (tablets or capsules), your doctor will likely gradually reduce your steroid dose once you start using fluticasone (corticosteroids).
Be careful, as your body may decrease its ability to cope with stress such as surgery, illness, asthma attack, or injury during this time.
Record the number of sprays and dispose of the bottle after 120 sprays even though there is still medicine left.
You may need to be extra cautious as your body adjusts to a lower dose of steroid medication. Other conditions such as arthritis or eczema may worsen if the dose of oral steroids is reduced.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine:
- extreme weakness, muscle weakness, or pain;
- sudden pain in the abdomen, lower body, or legs;
- anorexia; weight loss; stomach upset, vomiting; diarrhea;
- dizzy; faint;
- depression, restlessness;
- dark skin (jaundice).

Warning

Consult your doctor before giving Flonase to children.

Steps