:: What is Flonase?
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is a FDA-approved anti-inflammatory nasal spray medication, in the class of intranasal corticosteroids, used for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms caused by seasonal outdoor and year-round indoor allergies, as well as year-round non-allergic nasal symptoms.
Flonase is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
See our comprehensive Allergies FAQ  to learn more about year-round indoor and seasonal outdoor allergens, including a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used decongestants, antihistamines, and intranasal corticosteroids for allergy relief .
You can buy Flonase by going to our Flonase price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Flonase prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Flonase online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should use Flonase?
Flonase should be used by adults and children over 4 years old for the relief of nasal allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose caused by outdoor seasonal allergies (hay fever), indoor year-round allergic or non-allergic nasal symptoms.
See our comprehensive Guide to Allergies to learn more about what allergies are, what causes them, how they are treated and how to reduce your exposure to allergens.
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:: Who should not use Flonase?
You should not take Flonase if you are allergic to Flonase, fluticasone propionate or any of its ingredients.
If you have or have had medical conditions, especially asthma or infections, nasal surgery or nasal injury, it's important to let your doctor know.
Flonase should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known if Flonase is secreted in human milk. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Flonase.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should take Flonase or not. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What are allergies?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page.
See our extensive Allergy Guide for information including a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used decongestants, antihistamines, and intranasal corticosteroids (including Flonase) for allergy-relief .
There, you will also find lists of steps you can take to help you avoid or decrease the risk of exposure to the common allergens or allergy triggers which are:
dust mites ,
mold ,
cockroach allergens ,
pet dander , and
pollen .
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:: How does Flonase work?
When you are exposed to a substance that your body has identified as an allergen (intruder) or irritant, your immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammation of the nasal passages leading to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and itchy, runny nose.
Although it is not known exactly how Flonase works, it acts to reduce these inflammatory reactions, thereby stopping nasal allergy symptoms from occurring.
See our extensive Allergies FAQ for more information on
the immune system response to allergens .
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:: How well does Flonase work?
For seasonal outdoor and indoor perennial (year-round) allergies:
Thirteen 2-24 week clinical studies of over 2600 adults, 400 adolescents and 500 children have shown that Flonase is an effective treatment for seasonal and perennial allergies. In these studies, patients receiving regular doses of Flonase once or twice daily had significantly reduced total symptom scores (scores used to measure sneezing, congestion, and runny, itchy nose) compared to non-medicated spray.
For perennial (year-round) non-allergic nasal symptoms:
Three 2 week to 6 month studies of over 1100 patients showed that patients receiving regular doses of Flonase twice daily had significantly reduced total symptom scores (scores used to measure sneezing, congestion, and runny, itchy nose) compared to non-medicated spray.
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:: How safe is Flonase?
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) has been used as an anti-inflammatory nasal spray since 1994. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Flonase has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat nasal allergy symptoms caused by seasonal outdoor and indoor (year-round) allergies as well as year-round non-allergic nasal symptoms. However, Flonase may not be for everyone. Be sure to read Who should not use Flonase? .
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:: What is the difference between Flonase and other allergy
medications?
Here is a comparison table of the different classes of allergy medications including Flonase:
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Class
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Intranasal Cortico- steroid Sprays
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Antihistamines
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Decongestants
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Sedating
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Non-sedating
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Oral
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Spray
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Medications
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Flonase
Nasocort AQ
Nasonex
and others.
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Benadryl (diphen- hydramine)
Chlortri- meton (Chlorphe- niramine)
and others.
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Allegra
Zyrtec
Claritin
and others.
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Sudafed (pseudo- ephedrine)
and others.
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Neo- Synephrine (phenyl- ephrine)
Afrin (oxymeta- zoline)
and others.
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How they work
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Reduce inflammatory reactions caused by the immune system’s reaction to allergens, thereby stopping nasal allergy symptoms from occurring.
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Block histamine from binding to cells by taking its place on the cells thereby preventing histamine from causing allergy symptoms.
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Relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose) by constricting blood vessels thereby decreasing swelling and opening nasal passages.
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Dosing schedule (adults)
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once a day
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every 4 to 6 hours
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1 to 2 times a day
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usually 4 to 6 times a day
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every 4 hours
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Causes drowsiness
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no
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very frequently
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rarely to occasion- ally
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no (may cause sleepless- ness)
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no
|
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Approved for indoor year-round allergies
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
|
yes
|
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Approved for outdoor seasonal allergies
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yes
|
yes
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yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
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Approved for non-allergic nasal symptoms
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yes
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no
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no
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yes
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yes
|
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Other remarks
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May take up to 2 weeks of use for maximum relief.
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Avoid use with other sedating medication.
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Use with caution with certain antifungals and antibiotics.
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Avoid use if you have hypertension or glaucoma.
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Short-term (3 days) use only, can cause rebound congestion.
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* In addition to the above table, see our comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used decongestants, antihistamines, and intranasal corticosteroids for allergy-relief
in our extensive Allergy FAQ .
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:: What does Flonase look like?
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline is available as a 16 gram nasal spray bottle.
Flonase Nasal Spray 50mcg (micrograms) is supplied in an amber glass bottle fitted with a white metering atomizing pump, white nasal adapter, and green dust cover in a box with patient instructions for use.
Each bottle contains 16gm of product and will provide 120 actuations (sprays). Each actuation (spray) delivers 50mcg of fluticasone propionate in 100mg of formulation.
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:: How do I take Flonase?
(Also see the next question: How do I use the Flonase spray bottle? for administration instructions.)
You should use Flonase regularly every day for best results.
For seasonal outdoor, year-round indoor nasal allergy symptom relief and year-round non-allergic nasal symptom relief:
- Usual Dose for Adults:
Dosage form (Nasal spray): The usual starting dose is 2 sprays (50mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 200mcg. Alternatively 1 spray in each nostril twice daily for a daily dose of 200mcg is also effective. Some patients may be able to reduce the dose after a few days to 1 spray in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 100mcg.
- Usual Dose for Adolescents and Children 6 years and older:
Dosage form (Nasal Spray): The usual starting dose is 1 spray (50mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for a daily dose of 100mcg. Dose may be increased to 2 sprays in each nostril once daily if adequate relief is not experienced. Reduce the dose to 1 spray in each nostril once daily once adequate relief is achieved.
* Although greatest symptom control is achieved with regular daily use of Flonase, some patients with seasonal allergies may get effective relief of nasal allergy symptoms by using Flonase 200mcg once daily on an as-needed basis.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
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:: How do I use the Flonase spray bottle?
Preparing the Flonase spray:
- Gently shake the bottle and remove the green dust cover.
- Prime the pump: this must be done the first time you use the spray and if the spray has not been used for one week or more. Hold the bottle with your index finger and middle finger on each side of the nasal applicator and your thumb under the bottle. Keep the bottle upright and, pointing it away from you, press down and release the pump six times before the first use, or until a fine spray is released if the pump wasn’t used for 7 days or more.
Using the Flonase spray:
- Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
- Hold one nostril closed with a finger and tilt your head slightly forward.
- Holding the Flonase bottle with your index finger and middle finger on each side of the nasal applicator, and your thumb under the bottle, place the nasal applicator into your other nostril.
- Breathe in through your nose and press down once on the applicator at the same time. Breathe out through your mouth.
- If you are using 2 sprays per nostril, repeat the steps above, then switch to the other nostril.
- Don’t blow your nose for at least 10 to 15 minutes after using Flonase.
- After using the spray, wipe it with a tissue and replace the green cover.
Maximum Sprays per Flonase bottle:
- Each bottle of Flonase is designed to provide 120 full dose sprays. Do not use more than 120 sprays as dose may be partial after 120 sprays.
- Extra medication is added to each bottle for priming. Discard bottle after 120 sprays even if medication remains in the bottle.
- You should keep a checklist or calendar of the number of doses used so that you only use 120 sprays.
- Checklist: write the numbers 1 to 120 on a piece of paper, keep it next to your medication and cross off each number as you use take each dose.
- Calendar: if you use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, one bottle should be used for 30 days. Note the day that you start a new bottle, then write the date that it should be discarded (30 days from your starting date) on the bottle.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Flonase?
If you miss a dose of Flonase, take it as soon as you remember it. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose of Flonase. Do not take more Flonase than your doctor prescribed.
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:: How long does it take Flonase to work?
Flonase can start to relieve nasal symptoms within 12 hours but maximum relief may take several days.
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:: Do I need to use Flonase regularly?
You should use Flonase regularly every day for best results, especially if you are using Flonase for year-round allergy or non-allergy nasal symptoms.
Although greatest symptom control is achieved with regular daily use of Flonase, clinical studies have shown that some patients with seasonal allergies may get effective relief of nasal allergy symptoms by using Flonase 200mcg once daily on an as needed basis.
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:: How do I clean the Flonase spray applicator?
Clean your nasal spray applicator once a week:
1. Remove the green dust cover and carefully pull the nasal applicator upward to
release it.
2. Wash the applicator and dust cover with warm tap water and set aside to dry at
room temperature.
3. Put the applicator back by pushing it onto the bottle followed by the green dust
cover.
If the applicator gets blocked, remove it and let it soak in warm tap water, rinse it, let it dry and put it back.
Do not insert any sharp objects into the applicator to unblock it.
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:: How should I store Flonase?
Keep Flonase and all medications out of children's reach.
Store the Flonase bottle at room temperature. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Flonase?
The rate of side effects in patients taking Flonase is low. When side effects occur, they are generally mild and may include headache, nosebleed or sore throat.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with Flonase. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome when taking Flonase.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Flonase?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Flonase, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Sporanox (itraconazole), Nizoral (ketoconazole), Biaxin (clarithromycin),
erythromycin - may increase Flonase blood levels.
- Norvir (ritonavir) - may significantly increase Flonase blood levels and lead to
adrenal suppression and Cushing’s syndrome.
- Systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone - may increase the risk of HPA
(hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal gland) suppression.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Flonase.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Flonase?
In addition to the possible side effects and drug intercations of Flonase, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Chicken Pox and Measles: Take great care to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles if you have not had them or been immunized against them. Patients taking corticosteroids such as Flonase may be more susceptible to these infections. If you are exposed to or get chicken pox or the measles, call your doctor immediately.
Oral Corticosteroid Medications: If you have been taking an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone for a long period of time and switch to an intranasal corticosteroid such as Flonase, your body may not heal as well after surgery, infection, or injury. In addition, other conditions you may have such as asthma or arthritis may get worse.
Infection: If you use Flonase for an extended period of time, there is a rare chance that you may develop a yeast infection in your nose and throat. Your doctor may periodically check you for signs of infection.
Nasal Septum Perforation and Increased Intraocular Pressure: If you use Flonase for an extended period of time, there is a rare chance that you may experience perforations of your nasal septum (tears in the central divider of your nose) or increased intraocular pressure (increase pressure in the eyes). Your doctor may periodically check you for signs of possible changes in the lining of your nose.
Suppression of HPA: The use of Flonase or other corticosteroids can rarely lead to the suppression of HPA, the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal gland. This is more likely to happen if higher than recommended doses are used. Your doctor may periodically check you for signs of these effects.
Growth of Children: The use of Flonase or other corticosteroids can cause a slowing of the rate of growth for children. It is not known if this will change the final adult height. The growth of children should be monitored regularly.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: Flonase should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known if Flonase is secreted in human milk. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Flonase.
Do NOT share your Flonase prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: Can I become dependent on Flonase?
No, Flonase is not habit forming. There is no information that shows that dependency occurs with Flonase.
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:: What should be done in the case of a possible overdose of
Flonase?
Overdose is unlikely because one bottle does not contain enough medication to cause an overdose. Regardless, if overdose is suspected, it is best to call your doctor, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Flonase available over the counter?
No. Flonase is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Flonase prescription online?
Go to our Flonase price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Flonase prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Flonase online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Flonase cost?
Some companies charge less per bottle but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Flonase prices before buying.
Usually, the more bottles you buy, the cheaper the price per bottle.
See our Flonase price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Flonase prices no prior prescription needed.
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:: What is generic Flonase and is it available?
The generic name for Flonase is fluticasone propionate. Only Flonase brand is currently available in the US.
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:: Is it safe to order Flonase or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Flonase from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Flonase, but not contain the active ingredient fluticasone propionate.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell FDA-approved Flonase, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Flonase price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Flonase prices no prior prescription needed.
If this is your first time ordering Flonase online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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