Flonase
Generic Name: Fluticasone propionate
Brand Name: Flonase
Indications
Flonase Nasal Spray is indicated for the management of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older.
Dosage and Administration
Flonase Nasal Spray 50 mcg is supplied in an amber glass bottle fitted with a white metering atomizing pump, white nasal adapter, and green dust cover in a box of 1 with patient's instructions for use.
Normal Dosage:
Adults: The recommended starting dosage in adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg of fluticasone propionate each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg). The same dosage divided into 100 mcg given twice daily (e.g., 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) is also effective.
Adolescents and Children (4 Years of Age and Older): Patients should be started with 100 mcg (1 spray in each nostril once daily). Patients not adequately responding to 100 mcg may use 200 mcg FLONASE Nasal Spray is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.
Overdose: An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. Seek medical help if you suspect taking an over dose of this drug.
Drug Description
Fluticasone propionate, the active component of FLONASE Nasal Spray, is a synthetic corticosteroid having the chemical name S-(fluoromethyl)6α,9-difluoro-11β-17-dihydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioate, 17-propionate and the following chemical structure:
Fluticasone propionate is a white to off-white powder with a molecular weight of 500.6, and the empirical formula is C25H31F3O5S. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide, and slightly soluble in methanol and 95% ethanol.
Side Effects
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Dryness and irritation of nose and throat
- Headache
- Unpleasant taste and smell
- Perforation of nasal septum (very rare)
- Very rare allergic reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock
Precautions
- This medicine is only intended for use in the nose and must not be taken by mouth.
- Before using Flonase, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have an infection.
- Flonase belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- This drug is not approved for use by children younger than 4 years of age.
- Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean the areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.
- Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while you are using this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Before using this medication, talk to your doctor if you are taking
- antibiotics such as ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
