Flixonase Nasal Spray

What is Flixonase?

Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray is a prescription medication containing the active substance fluticasone propionate. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids (often simply called 'steroids').

Mechanism of Action: Fluticasone propionate is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. When sprayed into the nose, it is absorbed by the cells lining the nasal passages (the nasal mucosa). It works by mimicking the action of natural cortisol, a hormone your body produces to control inflammation. It binds to specific receptors inside cells and inhibits the release of various inflammatory chemicals (like histamines, leukotrienes, and cytokines) that are responsible for allergy symptoms. Think of it as a targeted fire extinguisher for the inflammation in your nose – it doesn't treat the allergy itself (the immune system's overreaction), but it effectively dampens the inflammatory "fire" that causes your symptoms.

Biological Pathway: In allergic rhinitis, allergens (like pollen) trigger immune cells (mast cells) to release histamine and other mediators. These cause blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid (congestion, runny nose) and stimulate nerve endings (itching, sneezing). Fluticasone interrupts this process early by preventing the activation and recruitment of these inflammatory cells, thereby reducing all the resulting symptoms.

What is Flixonase Used For?

Flixonase is indicated for the prophylaxis (prevention) and treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Before Using Flixonase

Before starting treatment, your clinician will assess your suitability. Inform them about:

• Medical History: Any past or present nose problems (e.g., recent nose surgery, nose ulcers, or injuries).
• Infections: Any current infection in your nose or sinuses.
• Other Steroid Use: If you are currently using, or have recently used, any other steroid medicines (e.g., asthma inhalers, eczema creams, oral steroids, or injections). This is important to avoid excessive systemic steroid exposure.
• Tuberculosis (TB) or Untreated Infections: As with any steroid, special care is needed.
• Eye Problems: Such as glaucoma or cataracts.

No specific baseline blood tests are typically required before starting Flixonase nasal spray for allergic rhinitis.

Flixonase Contraindications

Special Population Considerations

Elderly (65+): No specific dose adjustment is usually necessary. However, consider age-related factors like increased fragility of nasal blood vessels (potential for nosebleeds).

Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Formal studies haven't been conducted, but as Flixonase has low systemic absorption, significant dosage adjustment is unlikely to be required. However, severe liver impairment may affect steroid metabolism.

Paediatric Patients: Flixonase is not recommended for children under 4 years of age. For children aged 4-11 years, a lower dose is prescribed (see Dosage section). Long-term use in children should be monitored for growth velocity by a doctor, as systemic corticosteroids can potentially affect growth.

Flixonase and Other Medicines

Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take. Key interactions include:

• Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medicines like ritonavir (HIV protease inhibitor), cobicistat, or ketoconazole (antifungal) can significantly increase the blood levels of fluticasone, raising the risk of systemic steroid side effects (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression). Concurrent use requires close medical supervision.
• Other Corticosteroids: Using other steroid forms (oral, inhaled, topical) concurrently increases total steroid load. Your doctor will monitor for signs of adrenal insufficiency.

Timing Recommendation: No specific timing is required relative to food or other most medications. Use Flixonase at a consistent time each day as directed.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Data on fluticasone propionate use in pregnant women is limited. As with all medicines, use during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the foetus. Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Fluticasone propionate may be excreted in human milk in small amounts. However, due to low systemic bioavailability after nasal use, significant effects on the infant are unlikely. A decision should be made with your doctor to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Contraception: Flixonase does not affect hormonal contraception. No additional contraceptive measures are required specifically due to using this nasal spray.

Driving & Machine Operation

Flixonase Nasal Spray has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. It does not cause drowsiness. However, as with any new medication, be aware of how you feel initially. If you experience very rare side effects like dizziness or blurred vision, do not drive or operate machinery until the symptom resolves.

Flixonase Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Fluticasone Propionate (50 micrograms per spray)
• Excipients (Other Ingredients):
  • Cellulose microcrystalline & Carmellose sodium: Suspending agents to keep the drug evenly dispersed.
  • Glucose: Tonicity agent to match the nasal fluid.
  • Polysorbate 80: A surfactant that helps the spray spread.
  • Benzalkonium Chloride (0.02 mg/unit dose) & Phenylethyl Alcohol: Preservatives to prevent microbial growth.
  • Purified Water: The base of the aqueous suspension.

Allergen Warning: This product contains benzalkonium chloride, which may cause bronchospasm (breathing difficulty) in susceptible individuals, especially those with asthma. It can also cause local irritation or swelling inside the nose with prolonged use.

How to Use Flixonase

Use exactly as prescribed. The spray is for nasal use only. Avoid contact with eyes.

Important: It takes a few days of regular use for the full anti-inflammatory effect to build up. Keep using it daily even if you don't feel better immediately. It is more effective for prevention when used consistently throughout the allergy season.

Flixonase Dosage Guidelines

Dose Titration: Start at the recommended dose. Once control is achieved (usually after a few days), your doctor may advise reducing to the lowest effective dose (e.g., 1 spray per nostril daily for adults). If symptoms worsen, the dose may be increased back to the starting dose.

Administration Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare a New Spray: Remove dust cap. If new or unused for days, "prime" by pressing down on the collar several times until a fine mist is produced.
2. Blow Nose: Gently clear nostrils.
3. Position: Close one nostril with a finger. Insert nozzle into the other nostril. Tilt head slightly forward. Keep bottle upright.
4. Spray & Breathe: Start breathing in slowly through your nose. While inhaling, press down firmly on the collar to release one spray.
5. Exhale: Breathe out through your mouth.
6. Repeat in Same Nostril if a second spray is required.
7. Repeat Steps for the other nostril.
8. Clean: Wipe nozzle with clean tissue and replace dust cap.

Cleaning the Spray (weekly or if blocked): Remove dust cap and nozzle by pulling the white collar upwards (do not twist). Soak cap and nozzle in warm water, rinse under a tap, shake off water, let air dry, reassemble, and re-prime. Never use a pin to unblock the tiny hole.

Missed Dose Management

If you forget a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

Acute Nasal Overdose: Inhaling an entire bottle at once is unlikely but may cause systemic steroid effects. Symptoms could include hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome features like moon face, weight gain).

Chronic Overuse: Using more than the prescribed dose daily for prolonged periods increases the risk of:

• Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (your body's natural steroid production).
• Increased risk of local side effects (severe nosebleeds, nasal ulceration).
• Potential systemic steroid side effects (as above).

Action: If you use significantly more than prescribed, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Treatment is supportive; there is no specific antidote.

Flixonase Side Effects

Like all medicines, Flixonase can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects are generally mild and localised to the nose. You can find more information on the official Medicines.org.uk Flixonase page.

Immediate After Use: You may sneeze or get a brief unpleasant taste/smell; this is normal.

Reporting: Report any suspected side effects via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Flixonase

• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not store above 30°C. Protect from frost and direct light.
• Do not refrigerate.
• Use before the expiry date (EXP) on the label/carton.
• If treatment is stopped, return any unused spray to your pharmacy for disposal.
• Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste.

Flixonase Pack Information

• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd, Stevenage, UK.
• Manufacturer: Glaxo Wellcome SA, Spain.
• Pack Presentation: Amber glass bottle with metered pump, dust cap, and patient leaflet. Each bottle delivers 150 sprays. Each spray contains 50 micrograms of fluticasone propionate.
• PL Number: 10949/0036

Where Can I Buy Flixonase Online in the UK

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