How to Take Flonase

Flonase is a nasal spray administered with an atomizing spray pump. Flonase is prescribed for the treatment of seasonal or perennial allergies. It can also be used for the treatment of rhinitis (nasal irritation). Here is how to use Flonase.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Flonase is taken by placing the spray pump directly in the nostril, compressing the spray pump and breathing in the medication through the nostril. Illustrated instructions are included in each package of Flonase detailing proper usage.
2. For adults, Flonase is generally prescribed to be taken two pumps in each nostril once a day or one pump in each nostril twice a day. When symptoms improve it may be possible to reduce the dosage to one pump per nostril daily.
3. For children four years of age and older, Flonase should be administered one pump per nostril daily. If symptoms persist, two pumps can be administered until symptoms are in control.
4. Symptoms may improve in only a few hours or may take several days to improve. If they do not improve after several days or if symptoms worsen, contact your physician.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be necessary to compress the spray pump several times before the initial use or after a week or more of not using the pump. It may take up to six compressions to prime the pump before administering Flonase.
• Know that the most common side effects include eye, throat or nose irritation and dryness, as well as loss of sense of taste or smell.
• Clean the Flonase sprayer at least once a week.
• If you miss a dose you should take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose you should skip the dose.
• Flonase is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
• Dosage should not exceed two pumps per nostril per day in either adults or children.
• The safety of Flonase has not been tested in children younger then four.
• Do not use more of Flonase than is prescribed by your doctor to avoid serious side effects.
• It is not known if Flonase has an effect on pregnant or nursing mothers. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
• Side effect from Flonase include burning in the nose, sneezing, yeast infection in the nose or throat, bleeding nose, perforated septum, eye pressure, glaucoma, tearing in eyes, headache, light-headedness, nausea, cough, asthma symptoms, stuffy or runny nose and a bad taste or smell.
• Do not take Flonase if you are taking another nasal steroid without consulting with your doctor.