- What is flunisolide nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for flunisolide nasal spray?
- What are the side effects of flunisolide nasal spray?
- What is the dosage for flunisolide nasal spray?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with flunisolide nasal spray?
- Is flunisolide nasal spray safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about flunisolide nasal spray?
What is flunisolide nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Flunisolide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Aerobid) or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally- occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses. When given as an intranasal spray, flunisolide reduces watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itching at the back of the throat that are common allergic symptoms. Eye symptoms such as itching and tearing that may be associated with allergy sometimes also are relieved. A beneficial response usually is noted within a few days but can take as long as 4 weeks. In asthmatic patients, the suppression of inflammation within the airways reduces the swelling caused by inflammation that narrows the airways. At the same time, mucus is reduced. Approximately 50% of flunisolide is absorbed into the blood. Flunisolide was FDA approved in September 1981.
What brand names are available for flunisolide nasal spray?
Aerospan
Is flunisolide nasal spray available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for flunisolide nasal spray?
Yes
What are the uses for flunisolide nasal spray?
What are the side effects of flunisolide nasal spray?
The most common side effects of flunisolide are:
- nasal irritation and itching,
- cough,
- nausea or
- vomiting,
- sore throat,
- nasal congestion,
- sneezing,
- flu-like symptoms,
- nasal burning,
- diarrhea,
- unpleasant taste,
- bloody nasal discharge, and
- nasal dryness.
Other adverse effects include:
- headache,
- dizziness,
- watery eyes,
- upset stomach
- heart palpitations,
- fungal infections, and
- growth.
What is the dosage for flunisolide nasal spray?
The canister should be shaken before each use.
- For adults, the usual starting dose is two sprays in each nostril twice daily. The dose may be increased to 3 or 4 times per day.
- In children ages 6-14 years, the usual starting dose is one spray in each nostril three times per day or two sprays in each nostril twice daily.
- The adult dose for treating asthma is 2 inhalations twice daily not to exceed 8 inhalations per day.
- The children's dose for treating asthma is 2 inhalations twice daily.
QUESTION
See AnswerWhich drugs or supplements interact with flunisolide nasal spray?
No drug interactions have been described with nasal flunisolide
Is flunisolide nasal spray safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Well-controlled studies on the use of flunisolide during pregnancy have not been done. Studies in animals have shown flunisolide to have damaging effects on the fetus. During pregnancy flunisolide should be avoided unless the physician feels that the potential therapeutic benefit justifies the added risk to the fetus.
It is unknown whether flunisolide accumulates in breast milk; however, it is known that other corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. The effects on the child, if any, are unknown.
What else should I know about flunisolide nasal spray?
What preparations of flunisolide nasal spray are available?
Nasal spray: 0.025 mg or 0.029 mg/spray. Oral Inhaler: 80 mcg/actuation.
How should I keep flunisolide nasal spray stored?
Flnisolide should be stored at room temperature between 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86 F) and should be protected from heat, and direct light.
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Summary
Flunisolide nasal spray (Aerospan [Nasalide, Aerobid, Aerobid HFA are discontinued]) is a corticosteroid in the form of an oral-metered dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma in adults and children, or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Review side effects, dosage, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis (non-allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion. Post-nasal drip is the drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
-
Allergy
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
-
Hay Fever
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
-
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.
-
Asthma Medications
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC asthma drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.
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Asthma Over-the-Counter Treatment
Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
-
Neutropenia
Neutropenia is a marked decrease in the number of neutrophils, neutrophils being a type of white blood cell (specifically a form of granulocyte) filled with neutrally-staining granules, tiny sacs of enzymes that help the cell to kill and digest microorganisms it has engulfed by phagocytosis. Signs and symptoms of neutropenia include gum pain and swelling, skin abscesses, recurrent ear and sinus infections, sore mouth, low-grad fever, pneumonia-like symptoms, and pain and irritation around the rectal area. Neutropenia has numerous causes, for example, infections (HIV, TB, mono); medications (chemotherapy); vitamin deficiencies (anemia); bone marrow diseases (leukemias), radiation therapy, autoimmune destruction of neutrophils, and hypersplenism. Treatment of neutropenia depends upon the cause and the health of the patient.
-
Asthma Complexities
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
-
Asthma in Children
Asthma in children manifests with symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Rates of asthma in children are increasing. Asthma in children is usually diagnosed based on the description of symptoms. Lung function tests may also be used. A variety of medications are used for the treatment of childhood asthma.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.