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Fluticasone Nasal Spray

Fluticasone is a medication that comes as a nasal spray. It treats allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and a runny or stuffy nose. It helps you breathe easier by reducing inflammation in your nose. A common brand of fluticasone is Flonase®.

What is this medication?

FLUTICASONE (floo TIK a sone) treats allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat nasal polyps. It works by decreasing inflammation in your nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called nasal steroids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ClariSpray, Flonase, Flonase Allergy Relief, Flonase Sensimist, Veramyst, XHANCE

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Eye disease, vision problems
  • Infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection
  • Recent surgery on nose or sinuses
  • Taking a corticosteroid by mouth
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, steroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on your prescription or product label. Do not use more often than directed. Do not share this medication with anyone else. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed to children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and telithromycin
  • Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole
  • Conivaptan
  • Nefazodone
  • Some medications for HIV
  • Vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Crusting or sores in the nose
  • Frequent or severe nosebleeds
  • Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness
  • Thrush—white patches in the nose or mouth
  • Whistling through one or both nostrils that does not go away

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Change in sense of smell
  • Change in taste
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Irritation inside the nose or throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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