Corticosteroids (Nasal)

Proper Use of This Medicine

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine . Beclomethasone, budesonide, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone are used with a special inhaler. If you do not understand the directions, or if you are not sure how to use the inhaler, check with your health care professional.

Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose. Then, with the nosepiece inserted into the nostril, aim the spray towards the inner corner of the eye.

In order for this medicine to help you, it must be used regularly as ordered by your doctor . This medicine usually begins to work in about 1 week (for dexamethasone), but up to 3 weeks may pass before you feel its full effects.

Use this medicine only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the lining of the nose and the chance of unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor before using this medicine for nasal problems other than the one for which it was prescribed , since it should not be used on many bacterial, virus, or fungus nasal infections.

Save the inhaler that comes with beclomethasone or dexamethasone, since refill units may be available at lower cost.

Dosing - The dose of nasal corticosteroids will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of nasal corticosteroids. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For beclomethasone
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal aerosol dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - One spray in each nostril two to four times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For nasal suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - One or two sprays in each nostril two times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For budesonide
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal powder dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - Two inhalations in each nostril once a day in the morning.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For nasal suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - One or two sprays in each nostril one or two times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For dexamethasone
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal aerosol dosage form:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - Two sprays in each nostril two or three times a day for up to two weeks.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - One to two sprays in each nostril two times a day for up to two weeks.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For flunisolide
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal solution dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - One or two sprays in each nostril one to three times a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For fluticasone
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and children 4 years of age and older - One or two sprays in each nostril one or two times a day.
    • Children up to 4 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For mometasone
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - One or two sprays in each nostril one time a day.
    • Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For triamcinolone
• For allergies or other nasal conditions:
  • For nasal aerosol dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older (In Canada, children 12 years of age and older) - One or two sprays in each nostril once a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age (In Canada, children up to 12 years of age) - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For nasal suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and children 6 years of age and older - One or two sprays in each nostril one time a day.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine and remember within an hour or so, use it right away. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store budesonide powder in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places, especially if the cap has not been tightly screwed back on. Moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from getting too cold or freezing. This medicine may be less effective if it is too cold when you use it.
• Do not puncture, break, or burn the beclomethasone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone aerosol container, even after it is empty.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Also, discard any unused beclomethasone or flunisolide solution 3 months after you open the package. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.