Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: flunisolide nasal spray
BRAND NAME: Nasalide
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Flunisolide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Aerobid) or as a nasal
spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally-
occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune
responses. When given as an intranasal spray, flunisolide reduces
watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), nasal congestion, postnasal
drip, sneezing, and itching oat the back of the throat that are
common allergic symptoms. Eye symptoms such as itching and tearing
that may be associated with allergy sometimes also are relieved. A
beneficial response usually is noted within a few days but can take
as long as 4 weeks. Approximately 50% of flunisolide is absorbed into
the blood.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Flunisolide nasal spray is available in a 25
ml bottle. The bottle contains about 200 sprays. Each actuation
delivers about 25 µg of flunisolide.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59
and 86°F). Protect from heat, and direct light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Flunisolide nasal spray is used for
relieving symptoms associated with seasonal or perennial rhinitis due
to allergies. (Rhinitis is an inflammation of the soft, wet tissue
lining the inside of the nose.)
DOSING: The canister should be shaken before each use. In
adults, the usual starting dose is two sprays in each nostril twice
daily. The physician may increase the dose to three times per day. In
children ages 6-14 years, the usual starting dose is one spray in
each nostril three times per day or two sprays in each nostril twice
daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been
described with nasal flunisolide
PREGNANCY: Well-controlled studies on the use of
flunisolide during pregnancy have not been done. Studies in animals
have shown flunisolide to have damaging effects on the fetus. During
pregnancy flunisolide should be avoided unless the physician feels
that the potential therapeutic benefit justifies the added risk to
the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is unknown whether flunisolide
accumulates in breast milk; however, it is known that other
corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. The effects on the
child, if any, are unknown.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects following nasal
inhalation of flunisolide are nasal irritation and itching, increased
cough, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing,
nasal burning, bloody nasal discharge, and nasal dryness. Other
adverse effects reported with intranasal flunisolide include
headache, dizziness, watery eyes, and abdominal bloating. All of
these effects are either mild or uncommon.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/6/1998 9:58:00 AM
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