Indications
- Fluticasone is utilized for seasonal and year-round allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms.
- It addresses issues like stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
- The medication also provides relief for allergy eye symptoms, including itchy and watery eyes.
- Belonging to the corticosteroid drug class, fluticasone operates in the nose.
- Its mechanism involves blocking the effects of allergy-causing substances like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
- Additionally, it works to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
Dosage and administration
- Read and follow the directions on the over-the-counter product package if self-treating; consult the Patient Information Leaflet if prescribed by a doctor.
- Administer the medication in the nose as directed, usually once or twice daily, avoiding eye contact.
- Blow your nose gently before usage, shake the container before each use, and prime it if using for the first time or after a week.
- Dosage depends on age, medical condition, and response; do not exceed prescribed dose or duration.
- Children may use it for a shorter time; follow package information for over-the-counter use in children.
- Use the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day for optimal benefits.
- Clean the applicator regularly, track the number of sprays, and discard the container after reaching the specified number.
- The medication may not provide immediate relief; effects may be felt after 12 hours, with full benefits taking several days.
- If no improvement after 1 week or if the condition worsens, stop use and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
- Seek immediate medical help if you suspect a serious medical problem.
Side effects
- Possible side effects include nasal dryness/irritation, nausea, or vomiting; inform your doctor or pharmacist if these persist or worsen.
- If directed by your doctor to use this medication, consider the benefit-risk balance, as many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Immediately report serious side effects such as persistent sore throat, eye or facial pain, signs of nasal damage, white patches in the nose/throat, or pain while swallowing.
- Rarely, corticosteroids absorbed into the bloodstream may cause side effects, especially in children or prolonged/high-dose users; seek medical attention for symptoms like extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling, increased thirst/urination, or vision problems.
- A severe allergic reaction is rare but requires immediate medical help; symptoms include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergy to fluticasone or other allergies, as inactive ingredients in the product may cause reactions.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history, especially recent nose problems, infections (including tuberculosis and herpes eye infection), certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts), and liver disease.
- Avoid contact with individuals having easily spread infections like chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or flu. Consult your doctor if you’ve been exposed to an infection.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications may impact the body’s response to physical stress. Notify your doctor or dentist before surgery, emergency treatment, or if facing a serious illness or injury.
- Regularly monitor a child’s height if using the medication for an extended period, as it may temporarily slow down growth.
- Use this medication during pregnancy only if necessary, weighing the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as it is uncertain if the drug passes into breast milk.