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FlonaseŽ
(Fluticasone
propionate)
Drug Uses
Flonase can relieve multiple nasal
symptoms of congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose. Flonase Nasal Spray is
for topical administration to the nasal mucosa by means of a metering, atomizing
spray pump.
How Taken
To get the best results with Flonase, you
should use it regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, since its effectiveness
depends on regular use. Because Flonase helps relieve inflammation, once you
begin treatment you should use it once a day, every day as directed by your
healthcare professional. The recommended starting dosage in adults is 2 sprays
(50 mcg of Flonase Nasal Spray 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. After the first few days,
patients may be able to reduce their dosage to 100 mcg (1 spray in each nostril)
once daily for maintenance therapy. Some patients (12 years of age and older)
with seasonal allergic rhinitis may find as-needed use of 200 mcg once daily
effective for symptom control. Greater symptom control may be achieved with
scheduled regular use.
Warnings/Precautions
Before using this medication, 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 Flonase Nasal Spray nasal if
you have an infection. Flonase Nasal Spray is in the FDA pregnancy category C.
This means that it is not known whether Flonase Nasal Spray nasal will harm an
unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant. It is not known whether Flonase Nasal Spray passes into breast
milk. Do not use Flonase Nasal Spray nasal without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby. Flonase Nasal Spray nasal is not approved for
use by children younger than 4 years of age.
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.
Possible Side Effects
Serious side effects from Flonase Nasal
Spray nasal are not likely to occur. Stop using Flonase Nasal Spray nasal and
seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to use Flonase Nasal Spray nasal and talk to your doctor if you
experience stinging or burning of the nose; sneezing after application; yeast
infection in the nose or throat (white patches); bleeding nose; perforated
septum (inside left of nose); increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or
tearing of the eyes; headache or lightheadedness; nausea; cough; asthma
symptoms; nasal stuffiness or a runny nose; or unpleasant (or loss of) taste or
smell. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Storage
Store between 4° and 30°C (39° and 86°F).
Keep your nasal spray out of the reach of children. Do not use your Flonase
Nasal Spray after the date shown as "EXP" on the label or box.
Overdose
An overdose of this medication is not
likely to occur. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an
emergency room or poison control center.
More Information
Avoid items or activities that you know
are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean 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 Flonase Nasal Spray nasal.
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.
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.
FLONASE Nasal Spray, 50 mcg is an aqueous suspension of microfine fluticasone
propionate for topical administration to the nasal mucosa by means of a
metering, atomizing spray pump. FLONASE Nasal Spray also contains
microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrose, 0.02%
w/w benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80, and 0.25% w/w phenylethyl alcohol,
and has a pH between 5 and 7.
It is necessary to prime the pump before first use or after a period of non-use
(1 week or more). After initial priming (6 actuations), each actuation delivers
50 mcg of fluticasone propionate in 100 mg of formulation through the nasal
adapter. Each 16-g bottle of FLONASE Nasal Spray provides 120 metered sprays.
After 120 metered sprays, the amount of fluticasone propionate delivered per
actuation may not be consistent and the unit should be discarded.
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