Brand Name
Flonase
Common Name
fluticasone propionate nasal spray
In this drug factsheet:
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- burning, dryness, or other irritation inside the nose
- headache
- runny nose
- sneezing after using the spray
- sore throat
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- bloody nasal mucus
- eye problems (eye pain, blurred vision)
- severe, unexplained nosebleeds
- white patches inside nose or throat
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (sudden wheezing or difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness; hives; swelling of the face, lips, eyes)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Additional medication: Although fluticasone propionate will control seasonal allergic rhinitis in most cases, an abnormally heavy amount of summer pollen may sometimes require additional treatment, particularly to control eye symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you have been using this medication for 3 weeks and are still experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Growth in adolescents: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may impair the growth of children and adolescents. Your doctor will monitor for this. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Infections: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray may worsen existing infections, mask the signs of infection, and cause new infections. If you use this medication for several months or longer, your doctor will monitor you periodically for signs of infection. People who have not had chicken pox or measles or have not been vaccinated against these infections should take special care to avoid exposure to them.
Stopping treatment: Under most circumstances, treatment with corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray should be tapered off gradually and not stopped suddenly. In the case of fluticasone propionate nasal spray, this would probably be a concern only in high doses. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about stopping regular use of this medication.
Wound healing: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate nasal spray can impair the ability of wounds to heal. This medication should be avoided if you have recently had nasal surgery or nasal trauma until wounds have completely healed.
Pregnancy: The safety of fluticasone propionate nasal spray during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if fluticasone propionate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children under the age of 4 years. This medication should not be used in children under 4 years old. Long-term use of fluticasone propionate nasal spray is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may an interaction between fluticasone propionate nasal spray and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
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