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Overview: Nasal fluticasone is a steroid nasal spray used to treat hay fever or allergy symptoms, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing. Common side effects include stinging or sneezing, headache, and nosebleeds. Serious side effects are less common but can include nasal problems or eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice any vision changes while using nasal fluticasone.

Uses

What is nasal fluticasone used for?

Nasal fluticasone is commonly used to treat hay fever or allergy symptoms, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing.

Nasal fluticasone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does nasal fluticasone work (mechanism of action)?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid. It reduces inflammation in your nasal passages. This may help it reduce allergy symptoms.

How is nasal fluticasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Children’s Flonase Allergy Relief
  • Flonase Allergy Relief
  • Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 27.5 mcg, 50 mcg per nasal spray 

See also: Fluticasone inhaled and Fluticasone topical

How should I store nasal fluticasone?

Store nasal fluticasone at a temperature between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Some products may be able to be stored at temperatures as low as 39 F (4 C). Follow the storage instructions on the product you are using. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nasal fluticasone?

The most common side effects of nasal fluticasone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Sneezing or stinging in your nose
  • Headache
  • Nosebleeds
  • Dry or irritated nose or throat
  • Change in taste or smell

There may be other side effects of nasal fluticasone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nasal fluticasone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nasal fluticasone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nasal fluticasone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nasal fluticasone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Nasal Problems. Nasal fluticasone may cause severe problems with your nasal passages, such as sores in your nose (nasal ulceration) and nasal septal perforation, which is a hole in the cartilage that separates your nose. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of nasal problems.

  • Crusting in your nose
  • Nosebleeds
  • Runny nose
  • Whistling sound when you breathe

Eye Problems. Nasal fluticasone may cause eye problems. Stop using it and tell your health care provider if you have any changes in your vision while using nasal fluticasone.

Slowed Growth in Children. Nasal fluticasone may slow down growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Talk with the health care provider if you have any concerns about how your child is growing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nasal fluticasone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nasal fluticasone.

  • Fluticasone
  • Flonase
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nasal fluticasone products they stock.

Asthma. You should not use nasal fluticasone to treat asthma. 

Young Children. Young children should not use nasal fluticasone. Different products are approved for different ages. Check the label to see which young children should not use nasal fluticasone. 

What should I know about nasal fluticasone before using it?

Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider to show you how to correctly use, prime, and clean nasal fluticasone. Follow the “Instructions for Use” that come with it. For best results, use nasal fluticasone regularly, as prescribed.

Keep nasal fluticasone out of the reach of children. If a young child is using nasal fluticasone, an adult should help them use it correctly. 

Do not share nasal fluticasone with anyone else. Sharing nasal sprays may spread germs.

Nasal fluticasone is only for use in your nose. Do not spray it in your eyes or mouth.

Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better within seven days of starting nasal fluticasone. Tell them if you have symptoms such as facial pain or thick nasal discharge. These may be signs of an infection.

Shake nasal fluticasone gently before each use. This helps to make sure you get the right amount of medicine each time.

What should I tell my health care provider before using nasal fluticasone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nasal fluticasone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Nasal surgery or an injury to your nose
  • Eye or vision problems, such as blurry vision, cataracts, or glaucoma
  • Have been near someone who has chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
  • Current infections that have not been treated
  • Nosebleeds

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nasal fluticasone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using nasal fluticasone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nasal fluticasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if nasal fluticasone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does nasal fluticasone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nasal fluticasone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nasal fluticasone.

Does nasal fluticasone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using nasal fluticasone.

  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS, such as ritonavir (Norvir)
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or other conditions

Some other medicine may alter the blood levels of nasal fluticasone. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nasal fluticasone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nasal fluticasone?

If you or someone else has used too much nasal fluticasone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nasal fluticasone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.