What is flunisolide nasal?
Flunisolide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause
inflammation.
Flunisolide nasal is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose
caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
Flunisolide nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flunisolide nasal?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flunisolide, or if you have any type
of untreated infection in your nose or sinuses.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
-
asthma;
-
tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
-
herpes simplex infection of your eyes;
-
sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
-
if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether flunisolide nasal is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether flunisolide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use flunisolide nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is
not growing at a normal rate while using flunisolide nasal.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
How should I take flunisolide nasal?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The usual
dose for adults
is 2 sprays into each nostril 2 or 3 times per day.
Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not use more than 8 sprays in each nostril per day.
The usual
dose for children
is 1 spray into each nostril 3 times per day, or 2
sprays in each nostril twice per day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Children should not use more
than 4 sprays in each nostril per day.
Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Spray 5 to 6 test
sprays into the air until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your
nasal spray for longer than 5 days, or if you have taken the pump apart for cleaning.
It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For
best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not
improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor
will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and
heat.
Throw the medication away after you have used 200 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in
the bottle.
What happens if I miss a dose of flunisolide nasal?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about flunisolide nasal?
Your pharmacist has information about flunisolide nasal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of flunisolide nasal?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
severe or ongoing nose bleed;
-
sores in the nose that won't heal; or
-
weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight
loss.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
burning or stinging in your nose;
-
changes in your sense of smell;
-
minor nosebleed;
-
unusual taste after using the spray;
-
dry nose, cough, sore throat; or
-
hoarse voice.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about flunisolide nasal?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flunisolide, or if you have any type
of untreated infection in your nose or sinuses.
Before using flunisolide, tell your doctor if you have asthma, tuberculosis, herpes simplex
infection of your eyes, sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you have recently had an injury of or surgery
on your nose.
It may take up to several days of using flunisolide before your symptoms improve. Tell
your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is
not growing at a normal rate while using flunisolide nasal.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive
treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal
in people who are using steroid medication.
What should I avoid while taking flunisolide nasal?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call
your doctor.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive
treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal
in people who are using steroid medication.
What other drugs will affect flunisolide nasal?
Before using flunisolide, tell your doctor if you are being treated with prednisone.
There may be other drugs that can interact with flunisolide nasal. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of flunisolide nasal?
