Fluticasone Nasal Spray

FlonaseŽ Logo

Brand name(s): FlonaseŽ

How should this medicine be used?

Fluticasone comes as a liquid to spray in the nose. It is usually sprayed in each nostril once daily or twice daily in the morning and evening. It is sometimes used only as needed to treat symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fluticasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Fluticasone nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Do not swallow the nasal spray and be careful not to spray it in your eyes.

Your doctor will probably start you on a high dose of fluticasone nasal spray and may decrease your dose after your symptoms are controlled.

Fluticasone nasal spray controls the symptoms of rhinitis but does not cure the condition. Your symptoms will probably not begin to improve for at least 12 hours after you first use fluticasone, and it may take several days or longer before you feel the full benefit of fluticasone. Fluticasone works best when used regularly. Use fluticasone on a regular schedule unless your doctor has told you to use it as needed. Continue to use fluticasone even if you feel well. Do not stop using fluticasone without talking to your doctor.

Each bottle of fluticasone nasal spray is designed to provide 120 sprays. The bottle might not be empty after 120 sprays have been used, but each spray might not contain the correct amount of medication. You should keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the bottle after you have used 120 sprays even if it still contains some liquid.

To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:

• Shake the bottle gently.
• Remove the dust cover.
• If you are using the pump for the first time or have not used it for a week or more, you must prime it by following steps 4-5 below. If you have used the pump in the past week, skip to step 6.
• Hold the pump with the applicator between your forefinger and middle finger and the bottom of the bottle resting on your thumb. Point the applicator away from your body.
• If you are using the pump for the first time, press down and release the pump six times. If you have used the pump before, but not within the past week, press down and release the pump until you see a fine spray.
• Blow your nose until your nostrils are clear.
• Hold one nostril closed with your finger.
• Tilt your head slightly forward and carefully put the nasal applicator into your other nostril. Be sure to keep the bottle upright.
• Hold the pump with the applicator between your forefinger and middle finger and the bottom resting on your thumb.
• Begin to breathe in through your nose.
• While you are breathing in, use your forefinger and middle finger to press firmly down on the applicator and release a spray.
• Breathe gently in through the nostril and breathe out through your mouth.
• If your doctor told you to use two sprays in that nostril, repeat steps 6-12.
• Repeat steps 6-13 in the other nostril.
• Wipe the applicator with a clean tissue and cover it with the dust cover.

Last Revised: 10/01/2004

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