Flonase (or fluticasone) is a liquid spray that is used nasally to treat the symptoms of (1) periodic, i.e. seasonal (at certain times of the year) allergic rhinitis, and of (2) perennial non-allergic rhinitis (all l 'year); however, it does not heal from these conditions caused by the nose and sinuses. Instead, it is designed to relieve symptoms such as nasal swelling, sneezing, congestion, runny or itchy nose. Prolonged use can lead to problematic side effects, so it's important to use it with caution. It is one of those drugs that can cause serious difficulties.
The information, warnings and medicinal substances listed in this article are derived from nlm.nih.gov "Medlineplus, Drug Info, Meds".
Steps
Step 1. Obtain printed information on the substances contained in the drug from a pharmacist or doctor
Usually it is sprayed in the nostrils once a day –– or twice, morning and evening. It is used to treat symptoms long-term or just for a few days. Follow the instructions exactly as directed by your prescription and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain what you don't understand.
Fluticasone works by inhibiting several types of cells and chemicals involved in allergic, inflammatory and immune system reactions due to excessive activity during these processes. When you use it as an inhaler or spray, the drug goes directly inside the nose and a small part is absorbed by the body. The FDA approved fluticasone in October 1994
Step 2. If you are having trouble using this nasal spray, which is a steroid, tell your doctor right away:
the biochemical name is corticosteroid - all classes of steroids, such as aldosterone, hydrocortisone or cortisone, are natural in that they are secreted by the adrenal cortex, but can also be produced synthetically.
Also called corticoid Flonase has many serious side effects, some of which are very serious and can cause complications.
Step 3. Watch out for the relatively uncommon, but serious side effects of Flonase (fluticasone) as indicated
Do not use the doses arbitrarily, but respect the methods of administration prescribed by the doctor. Be especially careful in case of overdose or hypersensitivity. The things to consider are:
- Do not swallow the product when it can run from the nose to the throat. If it happens, just spit it out.
- Keep it away from your eyes and mouth.
- Collapse: Call 112. If the victim collapses or is not breathing, call the emergency room immediately.
- Overdose: Call the emergency room right away.
Step 4. It will take a few days for the medicine to take effect
Symptoms will not improve until 12 hours after using Flonase and it may take several days before you feel results. Your doctor is likely to prescribe a higher dose at first and then decrease it once your symptoms are under control.
Method 1 of 4: Part 1: A lot of caution
Step 1. Use Fluticasone according to the methods and timing of administration, otherwise it will not be effective –– unless your doctor has advised you to use it when you feel the need
Keep using it when you feel good and don't quit without consulting your doctor.
Step 2. If you experience any side effects, call your doctor immediately and ask for instructions
Be on your guard because some side effects can be very serious. The following are not very common effects and symptoms, but should be reported to the doctor "immediately" in order to be treated:
- vision problems (blurry or blotchy),
- swelling of the face and neck (edema - excessive water retention or possible abnormalities in muscle structure caused by steroids),
- shortness of breath, hoarse voice, injuries to the nose,
- difficulty breathing (similar to asthma), or trouble swallowing,
- extreme tiredness, muscle weakness (lack of energy),
- irregular menstruation,
- painful white patches in the nose or throat (ulcers),
- hives, skin rash, itching, pimples or increased acne,
- flu symptoms, sore throat, swollen throat,
- face edema: swelling of the tongue, lips, eyelids or face,
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, edema and swelling of the lower legs,
- sudden bruises.
Step 3. Look out for serious and less serious side effects of Flonase (Fluticasone)
Tell your doctor if the following less severe symptoms persist:
- Headache, dizziness,
- Bloody mucus, bleeding nose,
- Runny nose, cough, burning or irritation in the nose,
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.
Step 4. For those living in the United States it is advisable to wear a health identification bracelet to let nurses know, in the event of an emergency or hospitalization, that you may need a corticosteroid
Method 2 of 4: Part 2: Before Using Flonase (Fluticasone)
Step 1. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone or any other medications
Step 2. Also say if you have taken any other medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products lately
Your doctor may need to change the doses of Flonase or other medicines - or follow you with caution to avoid side effects.
Step 3. Tell your doctor if you have:
- ever had tuberculosis (infection) in the lungs,
- cataracts (blurred vision),
- glaucoma (eye pressure disorder),
- wounds in the nose,
- any untreated infection,
- ocular herpes (a type of infection that causes ulcers on the eyelids and the surface around the eye),
- recently had nasal surgery,
- recently injured your nose in any way.
Step 4. Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, intend to be or are breastfeeding
If you become pregnant while using fluticasone, call your doctor right away.
Step 5. Before having any surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you use Flonase (fluticasone)
Step 6. Call your doctor right away if you feel unwell
Tell your visitors that you have recently used Flonase Fluticasone spray.
Step 7. Watch out for infections
Corticosteroids, including fluticasone, lowers the immune system's defenses.
Step 8. Avoid sick people and wash your hands often
Stay away from people who have measles or chickenpox. Tell your doctor immediately if you have had contact with someone who has contracted these viruses.
Method 3 of 4: Part 3: Preparing to Use the Nasal Spray
Step 1. Shake the bottle gently and remove the cover
Step 2. When you use it for the first time, or after a long time, you need to prepare it in the following way
If you used the pump a week ago, skip to part four, titled "Use".
Step 3. Hold the applicator bulb between your index and middle finger, holding the bottom of the bottle with your thumb –– all upright
Step 4. Keep it away from your face and body during preparation
Caution: Point the applicator bulb away from you.
Step 5. Before using the bulb for the first time, press it while releasing the pressure six times
If you have used the pump more than 6 days ago, press it until you see a sustained spray, keeping it vertically away from your face and body.
Method 4 of 4: Part 4: Use
Step 1. Blow your nose well
Step 2. Hold the bottle straight and close one nostril with your finger
Tilt your head forward and carefully place the nasal applicator into the open nostril.
Step 3. Hold the pump with your index and middle finger, keeping the bottle with your thumb at the bottom
Step 4. As you inhale, use your index and middle fingers to press on the blower and spray the medication
Step 5. Breathe in normally but breathe out through your mouth so as not to expel the medication
Step 6. Spray again into the same nostril only if your doctor has prescribed it
Repeat the steps with the other nostril.
Step 7. Clean the nasal applicator with a tissue and replace the lid
Step 8. Stay alert for other side effects:
Flonase can cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or problems while using the drug. If you have very serious side effects, you can report them together with your doctor to the manufacturer of the drug.
Step 9. Children using Flonase may grow slower
It is not known for certain, however, if it affects the overall height of the person once they become an adult. Ask your pediatrician if other risks may arise in administering the drug to your baby.
Advice
- Note the number of times you have used the spray and discard the bottle after a total of 120 sprays, even if it still contains liquid.
- If you take steroids (in capsules or pills), your doctor may reduce these dosages when you start using Flonase fluticasone (corticosteroid).
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Be careful because your body may not be able to recover from the stress of:
- surgery, diseases,
- asthma attacks,
- or injuries while using it.
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You will need special attention for several months as your body adjusts to the change in steroid medications. If you have any other medical condition, such as arthritis or eczema (a skin disease), it may get worse when you decrease your steroid doses.
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Tell your doctor if this happens or if you have any of the following symptoms during this time:
- extreme tiredness, pain or weakness in the muscles,
- sudden pain in the stomach, legs or lower body,
- loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea,
- dizziness, fainting,
- depression, irritability,
- yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
- Each bottle of fluticasone should be used for 120 puffs only. It may not be empty after 120 puffs but due to the low content, the drug may no longer be effective.
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