Fluticasone furoate nasal spray is a medication designed to help manage various conditions that cause inflammation in the nasal passages. This corticosteroid is formulated to deliver its effects directly to the affected area. It works to reduce swelling and mucus production, alleviating symptoms that can impact daily life.
Understanding Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray
Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid primarily approved to treat symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, which can be seasonal (like hay fever) or perennial (year-round). It is also used for non-allergic rhinitis, a condition with similar symptoms not triggered by allergens.
Clinical studies have shown fluticasone furoate nasal spray to be effective in relieving a range of symptoms. It significantly improves nasal symptoms such as congestion, itching, runny nose, and sneezing, often providing relief within 24 hours. Beyond nasal issues, it also helps with ocular (eye) symptoms like itching, burning, tearing, watering, and redness, which often accompany allergic rhinitis. This medication can also help reduce nighttime nasal symptoms, contributing to improved sleep and overall quality of life for individuals with allergic rhinitis.
How Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray Works
Fluticasone furoate functions by interacting with specific targets within the body’s cells to reduce inflammation. Once administered into the nasal passages, it enters target cells and binds to glucocorticoid receptors. This binding allows the fluticasone furoate-receptor complex to move into the cell’s nucleus, influencing the expression of genes involved in inflammation. By suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators like cytokines and chemokines, fluticasone furoate effectively reduces swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.
Proper Usage and Important Considerations
To ensure the best results, proper use of fluticasone furoate nasal spray is important. Before the first use, or if the spray has not been used for several days (typically a week or more), the bottle needs to be primed by shaking it gently and spraying several times into the air until a fine mist appears. Before each use, gently shake the bottle and clear your nostrils by blowing your nose.
When administering the spray, close one nostril with a finger, tilt your head slightly forward, and insert the nozzle into the other nostril, aiming slightly away from the center of your nose. While gently breathing in through the nose, press down on the spray pump to release the medication. After spraying, breathe out through your mouth and repeat the process in the other nostril if needed. Wipe the nozzle clean with a tissue and replace the cap after each use.
For adults, a typical starting dosage for allergic rhinitis is often two sprays in each nostril once daily. Some individuals may find that one spray in each nostril once daily is sufficient for maintenance once symptoms are controlled. For children aged 2 to 11 years, the recommended starting dose is usually one spray in each nostril once daily. If symptoms do not improve, the dose may be increased to two sprays in each nostril once daily under medical guidance. It is important to use the medication consistently as prescribed, as its effectiveness relies on regular use and full symptom relief may take several days.
When using fluticasone furoate nasal spray in children, growth monitoring is recommended, particularly with long-term use. While nasal corticosteroids generally have a minimal effect on growth velocity compared to oral steroids, healthcare providers may periodically assess growth. Additionally, the potential effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are assessed. Studies have shown that fluticasone furoate nasal spray at typical doses does not significantly affect HPA axis function in children aged 2 to 11 years over a six-week period, which is consistent with its low systemic absorption.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Information
Fluticasone furoate nasal spray can cause side effects, though serious ones are rare due to its low absorption into the bloodstream. Common side effects reported include headache, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and irritation or dryness in the nose. A sore throat, an unpleasant taste or smell, or a hoarse voice can also occur. These effects are usually mild and may lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects persist or become bothersome.
Discuss all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, with a healthcare provider before starting fluticasone furoate nasal spray, as interactions can occur. Certain medicines, such as those used to treat HIV or some antifungal medications, can increase the amount of fluticasone furoate in the body, potentially leading to more side effects. Using other steroid-containing medications, such as asthma inhalers or eczema creams, simultaneously could also increase the risk of systemic effects.
Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, especially with high doses or prolonged use. These may include severe or frequent nosebleeds, white patches in the nose or throat which could indicate a fungal infection, or changes in vision such as blurred vision, which might signal increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma) or cataracts. Rarely, signs of adrenal gland problems, such as unusual weakness, fatigue, nausea, or dizziness, may occur. If any of these serious side effects develop, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, avoiding spraying the medication directly into the eyes or mouth is recommended.