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Overview: Flunisolide is a steroid nasal spray used to treat sinus inflammation and symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing. Common side effects include nasal irritation, nosebleeds, and sore throat. Serious side effects are less common but can include nasal problems, infections, or changes in your stress hormone (cortisol) levels.

Uses

What is flunisolide used for?

Flunisolide is commonly used to treat nasal allergy symptoms, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing.

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

How does flunisolide work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is flunisolide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Nasalide
  • Nasarel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mcg per nasal spray as a 0.025% nasal solution

How should I store flunisolide?

Flunisolide should be stored between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of flunisolide?

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

  • Nasal irritation or mild burning or stinging in your nose
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing
  • Nosebleeds or bloody mucus
  • Watery eyes
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of flunisolide 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 flunisolide?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Flunisolide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using flunisolide 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. Flunisolide 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

Infections. Flunisolide can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • White patches or redness in your nose or throat

Increased Stress Hormone (Hypercorticism). Long-term use of flunisolide can lead to hypercorticism, a condition when your body has too much stress hormone, also called cortisol. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of increased stress hormone.

  • Acne
  • Easy or frequent bruising
  • More or thicker hair on your body and face
  • Rounded or moon-like face 
  • Ankle swelling
  • Hump or a fatty pad between your shoulders 
  • Stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, breasts, or arms

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of flunisolide can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you have been taking a corticosteroid by mouth, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to flunisolide. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Slowed Growth in Children. Flunisolide 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 flunisolide?

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

  • Flunisolide
  • Nasalide
  • Nasarel
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about flunisolide before using it?

Do not use flunisolide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. If your nose is stuffy, blow your nose before using it. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider to show you how to correctly use, prime, and clean your flunisolide nasal spray. Follow the “Instructions for Use” that come with it. For best results, use it regularly as prescribed.

Do not share flunisolide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep flunisolide out of the reach of children.

Tell your health care provider if your symptoms get worse or do not get better within two weeks of starting flunisolide.

Flunisolide is only for use in your nose. Do not spray it into your eyes.

What should I tell my health care provider before using flunisolide?

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 flunisolide 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.

  • Nose sores (nasal ulcers), nasal surgery, or an injury to your nose
  • Nosebleeds
  • Have been near someone who has chickenpox or measles
  • Tuberculosis
  • Current infections that have not been treated, including a herpes eye infection

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how flunisolide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use flunisolide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if flunisolide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use flunisolide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does flunisolide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between flunisolide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect flunisolide.

Does flunisolide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between flunisolide and other medicines. 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.

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 flunisolide?

If you or someone else has used too much flunisolide, 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 flunisolide?

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.