Flonase

For adults and children 12 years and older, the recommended dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. Some people with severe rhinitis may benefit from 2 sprays in each nostril every 12 hours. The maximum daily dose is 4 sprays in each nostril.

For children 4 to 11 years old, the recommended dose is 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril in the morning. The recommended maximum daily dose is 2 sprays in each nostril daily.

Shake the medication gently before using and gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils before each use. For the best results, Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) should be used regularly each day. For seasonal Allergies, you should start using this product before the first exposure to the cause of the allergy.

If you are using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for the first time or you have not used it for more than 1 week, you will need to "prime" the pump by spraying the pump in the air, away from you, several times or until a fine mist is sprayed from the bottle.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause a sore throat; it may cause nosebleeds; it may cause a cough. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each 100 mg of spray (1 spray) delivered by the nasal adaptor contains 50 µg of fluticasone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, dextrose, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, phenylethyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, and purified water.

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to fluticasone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has untreated fungal, bacterial, or Tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract

There may an interaction between fluticasone propionate nasal spray and any of the following:

• Aspirin
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, Voriconazole)
• boceprevir
• Ceritinib
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• delaviridine
• Desmopressin
• HIV protease inhibitors (atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, tipranavir)
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• nefazodone
• ritonavir
• telaprevir

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal).

Additional medication: Although fluticasone propionate will control seasonal allergic rhinitis in most cases, an abnormally heavy amount of summer pollen may sometimes require additional treatment, particularly to control eye symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you have been using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for 3 weeks and are still experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Growth in children and adolescents: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may impair the growth of children and adolescents. Your doctor will monitor for this. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Infections: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may worsen existing infections, mask the signs of infection, and cause new infections. If you use Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for several months or longer, your doctor will monitor you periodically for signs of infection. People who have not had Chickenpox or Measles or have not been vaccinated against these infections should take special care to avoid exposure to them.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal).

Stopping treatment: Under most circumstances, treatment with corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray should be tapered off gradually and not stopped suddenly. In the case of fluticasone propionate nasal spray, this is usually only a concern at high doses. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about stopping regular use of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal).

Thyroid function: People with an underactive thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism), you may experience increased effects of this medication. If you are hypothyroid or are being monitored for thyroid function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vision problems: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may cause Glaucoma or Cataracts. Report any vision changes to your doctor immediately. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Wound healing: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray can impair the ability of wounds to heal. Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) should be avoided if you have recently had nasal surgery or nasal trauma until wounds have completely healed.

Pregnancy: The safety of fluticasone propionate nasal spray during pregnancy has not been established. Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if fluticasone propionate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) have not been established for children less than 4 years of age and should not be used by children under 4 years old. Long-term use of fluticasone propionate nasal spray is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Consult a doctor before using Flonase (Fluticasone-propionate-nasal) for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

This product is to be sprayed into the nostrils. To use: Blow your nose to clear your nostrils. Shake the container well. Tilt your head forward slightly. Spray the prescribed dose into the nostrils, breathing normally - do not sniff deeply. Wait 15 minutes after using the product before blowing your nose. Following its use, wipe the nozzle tip with a clean tissue or a smooth cloth. This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.