Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Flonase (fluticasone) is a nasal spray used to treat seasonal allergies and year-round allergies. Although it does not cure the illness, Flonase can help relieve symptoms such as swelling, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, or itchy nose. This is a corticosteroid drug, and improper use over and over can increase the side effects. However, with a little knowledge and attention, you can treat allergy symptoms without experiencing the side effects of medications.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Preparing to use Flonase

1. 

   Find out how Flonase works. These are corticosteroids that block the body from releasing allergenic chemicals. This medicine specifically treats symptoms caused by an allergy, but does not provide relief from similar symptoms for other causes. For example, the medicine will help stop the runny nose caused by allergies, but it won't stop the runny nose caused by a cold. In the past, doctors used to prescribe this drug if the patient repeatedly had allergic symptoms that did not respond to over-the-counter drugs. However, Flonase has recently been approved for use as an over-the-counter medication that you can buy from a pharmacy near you.
   • Nasal steroids (INS) sprays like Flonase work on many inflammatory substances and help stop the body from releasing these substances, while antihistamines only block the production of histamine.

2. 

   
   
   Be aware of side effects. Flonase includes two types of side effects. This medicine is used to spray the nose, so you may experience nosebleeds, headaches, sneezing, dryness, or irritation of the nose and throat. As a corticosteroid, you may have upper respiratory infections, cataracts, or glaucoma (glaucoma), and in children there may be developmental delays if taken for a long time. Milder side effects may include diarrhea and abdominal pain.
   • Nosebleeds are the most common side effect of flonase.
   • If other side effects such as cough, fever, headache or muscle aches, sore throat or fatigue occur, see your doctor.

3. 

   
   
   Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medications you are taking. Give your doctor a list of the over-the-counter medications you are taking, including recently taken 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 are taking. Some medicines (such as HIV and antifungal drugs) can interact with Flonase, so you and your doctor need a plan to control the interaction or change the treatment. This may be as simple as changing the dosage and monitoring for side effects.

4. 

   
   
   Provide a family 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 tell your doctor about your detailed medical history. Note the following diseases known to have negative interactions with Flonase:
   • Cataract
   • Glaucoma (glaucoma)
   • Nasal pain
   • Any infectious disease that is not treated
   • Herpes infection of the eye
   • Recently had nose surgery or nose injury
   • Previously diagnosed tuberculosis (an infection) in the lungs
   • Pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking fluticasone, you should call your doctor right away.
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Part 2 of 4: Using Flonase the right way

1. 

   Use Flonase as directed. Using the correct dosage is essential to minimize side effects. Read the directions on the label and follow the correct dosage, or take it exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your doctor if you do not understand to make sure you are using the medicine correctly.
   • Do not take more or less both in the amount and frequency of uses prescribed by your doctor.

2. 

   Do not swallow Flonase. The nose and mouth are closely related, so the nasal spray can sometimes run down the mouth and throat. However, Flonase is not intended to be taken by mouth, so this may cause undesirable side effects. Instead of swallowing, spit it out and rinse your mouth.
   • Also be careful to avoid getting the medicine in your eyes or mouth. If you get into your eyes or mouth, rinse them thoroughly.

3. 

   Please be patient. Don't expect the medicine to cure your symptoms right away. Symptoms may subside after the first 12 hours, but it may take at least several days for maximum effect. Wait a few days for the Flonase to work and take it regularly as prescribed. It is important to continue using fluticasone even if you feel better, otherwise your symptoms may return. Do not stop using without consulting your doctor.Some time later, your doctor may suggest that you reduce your dosage.

4. 

   Immediately notify a doctor about side effects. Informing your doctor right away about side effects will help your doctor know how treatment needs to be adjusted. Take special precautions if you have overdosed or increased sensitivity. Common side effects include headache, dryness or burning sensation inside the nasal cavity, nosebleeds, dizziness, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, nausea, and vomiting. If any of the above side effects are serious, contact your doctor immediately. On the other hand, you need to stop taking your medications and contact your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:
   • Swelling in face, neck, feet, or ankles
   • Difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing
   • Wheeze
   • Tired
   • Hives
   • Fever
   • Unexplained bruising
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Part 3 of 4: How to use medicine correctly

1. 

   Gently shake the spray bottle. Shake before opening the bottle's dust cover to prevent accidental sprays. The reason for shaking a pill bottle is similar to shaking a bottle of juice before you drink it. The solution mix is ​​sometimes separated, and the shaking action will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is especially important for medications. Open the dust cover after shaking the bottle.

2. 

   Pump priming if necessary. When using for the first time or after more than a week of non-use, you must primer the bottle. Keep the pump tip upright between your index and middle finger. The thumb supports the bottom of the medicine 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 apply pressure.
   • If using a previously used bottle, you will need to press down on the pump tip until a thin spray is released.

3. 

   Blow your nose. Before using the nasal spray, you need to clean the nasal passages. Otherwise, the medication will become stuck in the anterior nostril and decrease its effectiveness. Blow your nose until the nostrils are completely clean.
   • Do not blow your nose after spraying.

4. 

   Place the tip of the medicine bottle in the nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and carefully place the bottle in one nostril. Make sure to hold the tip of the bottle between your thumb and index finger, and cover the other nostril with another finger. You should hold the pump tip between your index and middle finger and support the bottom of the bottle with your thumb.

5. 

   Inject. Breathe in through your nose, and at the same time push the pump tip to spray the medicine into the nostril. Breathe in normally through the pumped nostril, but exhale through the mouth. This will prevent you from blowing the medicine back through your nose. Repeat the above steps with the other nostril.

6. 

   Keep the medicine bottle clean. Poor hygiene can increase the risk of infection with repeated use. After each use, you need to wipe with a clean cloth and cover again. The nasal spray bottle should be washed off at least once a week. Open the cover and pull up the pump head to remove it. Rinse the cap and pump head with warm water. Allow to dry at room temperature and re-insert the medicine bottle. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Exercise caution when using Flonase

1. 

   Immediately report illness if any. Flonase belongs to a class of corticosteroids and can decrease the body's ability to fight inflammation, so you need to use more caution. If you get sick, you need to notify your doctor immediately. Always provide a list of all medications you are taking, remember to include fluticasone inhalers / sprays.

2. 

   Avoid germs and infections. Stay away from sick people and wash your hands often. In particular, avoid people with chickenpox or measles. Tell your doctor if you have been around someone who has one of these viruses.

3. 

   Inform your doctor about using Flonase before surgery or emergency treatment. In rare cases, long-term use of corticosteroids impair the body's ability to cope with physical stress. Therefore, it is extremely important to let your doctor know that you are taking Flonase prior to any surgery (including dental surgery). advertisement

Advice

• Flonase is a type of steroid called corticosteroids. Fluticasone works by inhibiting a variety of cell types and chemicals that cause allergies, inflammatory and immune responses due to overactive activity. When using inhalers or nasal sprays, the medicine goes straight into the nasal mucosa and very little absorbed into the body.
• If you are taking steroids (tablets or capsules), your doctor will likely gradually decrease your steroid dose once you start using fluticasone (corticosteroids).
• Be careful, as your body will likely decrease its ability to deal with stress like surgery, getting sick, having an asthma attack or being injured during this time.
• Record the number of sprays and dispose of the bottle after 120 sprays even though there is still medication.
• You may need more caution as your body is adapting to reducing steroid dosage. Other conditions such as arthritis or eczema may worsen if the oral steroid dose is reduced.
• Tell your doctor if symptoms worsen, or if any of the following appear while taking the medicine:
  • extreme weakness, muscle weakness, or pain;
  • sudden pain in the abdomen, lower torso, or legs;
  • anorexia; weight loss; hangover in the stomach, vomiting; diarrhea;
  • dizziness; fainting;
  • depression, irritability;
  • dark skin (jaundice).

Warning

• Consult your doctor before giving Flonase to a child.