Brand Name
Nasacort AQ
Common Name
triamcinolone nasal
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02213834 | NASACORT AQ NASAL SPRAY 55 µG PER SPRAY |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Triamcinolone belongs to the family of medications called corticosteroids. Triamcinolone nasal spray is used to treat perennial (year-round) and seasonal allergic rhinitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and helps to eliminate or reduce symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing. This medication usually starts to work within 2 or 3 days, but for some people, it may take up to 2 weeks to work.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
For adults and children 12 years of age and older, the usual starting dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. The dose may be decreased to 1 spray in each nostril once a day once the desired effect is obtained.
For children 4 to 12 years of age, the usual starting dose is 1 spray in each nostril once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day if symptoms don't improve. Once symptoms are controlled, the dose may be decreased to 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that you understand how to use this medication properly. Read the package insert information carefully and talk to you doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or are not sure how to use this medication.
Before using this medication for the first time, you will need to prime the pump. To do this, pull the cover and the clip off the spray pump and shake the pump gently. Then, putt two fingers on the "shoulders" of the bottle. While holding the bottle away from you, push the bottle with the thumb firmly and quickly until a fine mist appears (about 5 pumps). Repriming is only needed when the spray pump has not been used for more than 14 days. To reprime, shake the bottle gently and pump only once while holding the bottle away from you.
To use the medication:
- Gently blow the nose to clear the nostrils if needed.
- Pull the cover and clip off the spray pump and gently shake the spray pump.
- Hold the spray pump firmly with the index finger and middle finger on either side of the spray tip and thumb on the bottom of the bottle. Rest the back of the index finger against the upper lip.
- Put the spray tip into one nostril (the tip should not reach far into the nose) and bend your head forward slightly.
- Point the tip straight back into the nose and close the other nostril with a finger. Pump the spray by pushing the thumb firmly and quickly for a full stroke and gently sniff at the same time. Repeat for the other nostril.
- If you are using more than one spray, repeat steps 3 to 5.
- Avoid blowing the nose for 15 minutes after a dose.
- Wipe the nozzle with a tissue and replace the cap.
To obtain the full benefit from this medication, it is important that it be used regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose and you remember within an hour or so, administer a dose and continue with your regular schedule. If it has been more than an hour or so since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not stop using this medication even if you feel better, unless recommended by your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard the bottle after 120 sprays or after 2 months of starting the bottle.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each actuation releases approximately 55 µg triamcinolone acetonide from the nasal actuator to the patient (estimated from in vitro testing) in an unscented, thixotrophic, water-based spray formulation. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrose, edetate disodium, microcrystalline cellulose, and polysorbate 80. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH to between 4.5 and 6.0. Non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) containing-metered dose pump spray which will provide 120 actuations.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Triamcinolone nasal spray should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to triamcinolone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has active or dormant tuberculosis
- has an untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infection
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