Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FLUNISOLIDE - NASAL (flew-NISS-oh-lide)
BRAND NAME(S): Nasalide, Nasarel
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is a corticosteroid that works directly on nasal tissue to reduce swelling. Flunisolide nasal is used to treat symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, such as nasal congestion and runny nose.
HOW TO USE: To get the most benefit from this medication, make sure you understand how to use the nasal inhaler properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the aerosol or spray. The medication must reach the nasal tissue to be effective. Therefore, blow your nose to clear the nasal passage before using the medication. If passages are blocked, a nasal decongestant may be used first (for a maximum of 3 to 5 days) to open the passages allowing proper penetration of the medication. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. It may take a few days before the benefits of the medication are noticed. Use this medication with caution if sores or injuries are present in the nasal passages.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause irritation, stinging, burning, or dryness of the nasal passages. Sneezing, nosebleed, headache, lightheadedness or nausea may also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: skin rash, itching. Long-term use of nasal steroids may cause fungal infections of the nose or throat. Inform your doctor if you develop an infection. The medication may be discontinued while the infection is treated. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should be used with caution if the following medical conditions exist: glaucoma, herpes-type eye infection, other infections, recent nasal surgery, existing nasal sores, liver disease, tuberculosis, underactive thyroid. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period of time and if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weakness or weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with intranasal steroids (flunisolide), this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. This medication appears in breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication. Children under six years of age should not use this medication.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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