About Flomist Nasal Spray
Flomist Nasal Spray contains Fluticasone Propionate 50 mcg/dose. This is a corticosteroid nasal spray. It is used to prevent and treat the blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itching of allergic rhinitis (hay fever and year-round allergy). It works on the lining of the nose to calm the allergic swelling. It works best when used regularly, and full benefit may take a few days.
Uses of Flomist Nasal Spray
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis
- Blocked nose, sneezing and nasal itching caused by allergy
Benefits
In allergic rhinitis
Used regularly, it reduces swelling inside the nose, easing a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itching. Many people start to feel better within a few days.
Side effects
Side effects in the nose are usually mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Nosebleeds
- Dryness or irritation of the nose or throat
- Unpleasant taste or smell
- Headache
Get medical help if you notice
- Blurred vision or other changes in eyesight — contact your doctor
- Frequent or heavy nosebleeds, or sores in the nose — contact your doctor
- Signs of infection such as fever, white patches in the nose or throat — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing — stop and seek emergency care
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Shake the bottle gently and blow your nose first. Keep your head upright, close one nostril, put the nozzle into the other and spray while breathing in gently through the nose. Point the spray slightly outwards, away from the middle of the nose. Wipe the nozzle after use. Prime a new bottle as the leaflet describes.
How it works
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid. It reduces inflammation and swelling in the lining of the nose that is caused by the allergic reaction.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Very little is expected to reach the baby, but ask your doctor before using it.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Consult your doctor
No specific problems are expected, but tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, as more of the medicine may reach the bloodstream.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, use it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not use extra sprays to make up.
Quick tips
- Use it every day as advised; it does not work instantly like a decongestant spray.
- Do not use more sprays than your doctor advised.
- Aim the spray away from the centre of your nose to reduce nosebleeds.
- Children using it for a long time should have their growth checked by the doctor.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Synthetic corticosteroid (glucocorticoid)
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory / anti-allergy
- Action class
- Intranasal corticosteroid
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Ritonavir and cobicistat (HIV medicines) | Can greatly raise fluticasone levels and cause steroid side effects; usually avoided together |
| Ketoconazole and itraconazole | May raise fluticasone levels in the body |
| Other steroid medicines (tablets, inhalers, creams) | Add to the total steroid dose; tell your doctor about all of them |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Fluticasone propionate nasal spray prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: fluticasone). Pharmacist review pending.