Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine. Beclomethasone, budesonide, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone are used with a special inhaler. If you do not understand the directions, or if you are not sure how to use the inhaler, check with your health care professional.

Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose. Then, with the nosepiece inserted into the nostril, aim the spray towards the inner corner of the eye.

In order for this medicine to help you, it must be used regularly as ordered by your doctor. This medicine usually begins to work in about 1 week (for dexamethasone), but up to 3 weeks may pass before you feel its full effects.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the lining of the nose and the chance of unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor before using this medicine for nasal problems other than the one for which it was prescribed, since it should not be used on many bacterial, virus, or fungus nasal infections.

Save the inhaler that comes with beclomethasone or dexamethasone, since refill units may be available at lower cost.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For beclomethasone

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal aerosol dosage form:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One spray in each nostril two to four times a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For nasal suspension dosage form:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One or two sprays in each nostril two times a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For budesonide

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal powder dosage form:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—Two inhalations in each nostril once a day in the morning.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For nasal suspension dosage form:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One or two sprays in each nostril one or two times a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For dexamethasone

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal aerosol dosage form:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Two sprays in each nostril two or three times a day for up to two weeks.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—One to two sprays in each nostril two times a day for up to two weeks.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For flunisolide

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal solution dosage form:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One or two sprays in each nostril one to three times a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For fluticasone

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal suspension dosage form:
      • Adults and children 4 years of age and older—One or two sprays in each nostril one or two times a day.
      • Children up to 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For mometasone

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal suspension dosage form:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—One or two sprays in each nostril one time a day.
      • Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For triamcinolone

  • For allergies or other nasal conditions:
    • For nasal aerosol dosage form:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older)—One or two sprays in each nostril once a day .
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—One spray in each nostril once a day. If instructed by your child's doctor, two sprays in each nostril once a day can also be given
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age—No more than one spray in each nostril once a day .
      • Children less than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended .
    • For nasal suspension dosage form:
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One or two sprays in each nostril one time a day.
      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and remember within an hour or so, use it right away. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Also, discard any unused beclomethasone or flunisolide solution 3 months after you open the package.

Do not puncture, break, or burn the beclomethasone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone aerosol container, even after it is empty.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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