ADRENOCORTICOIDS (Nasal)

Brand & Generic Names

BECLOMETHASONE (Nasal)	Nasacort
Beconase	Nasalide
Beconase AQ	Rhinaler
Budesonide	Rhonocort Aqua
Decadron Turbinaire	TRIAMCINOLONE (Nasal)
Dermacomb	Vancenase
DEXAMETHASONE (Nasal)	Vancenase AQ
FLUNISOLIDE (Nasal)

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes, for some
• Drug class: Adrenocorticoid (nasal); anti-inflammatory (steroidal), nasal

Uses

• Treats nasal allergy.
• Treats nasal polyps.
• Treats non-infectious inflammatory nasal conditions.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Read patient instruction sheet supplied with your prescription. Usually 1 or 2 sprays into each nostril every 12 hours.
Save container for possible refills.

When to take:
At the same time each day, according to instructions on prescription label.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember up to an hour late. If you remember more than an hour late, skip this dose. Don't double the next dose.

What drug does:
Subdues inflammation by decreasing secretion of prostaglandins in cells of the lining of the nose and by inhibiting release of histamine.
Very little, if any, of the nasal adrenocorticoid gets absorbed into the bloodstream.

Time lapse before drug works:
Usually 5 to 7 days, but may be as long as 2 to 3 weeks.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Burning or dryness of nose, sneezing.

Infrequent:

Crusting inside the nose, nosebleed, sore throat, ulcers in nose, cough, dizziness, head- ache, hoarseness, nausea, runny nose.

Rare:

• White patches in nose or throat.
• Eye pain, wheezing respiration.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to cortisone or any cortisone-like medication.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you know you are allergic to any of the propellants in the spray. These include benzalkonium chloride, disodium acetate, phenylethanol, fluorocarbons, propylene glycol.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Probably safe, but check with doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Probably safe, but check with doctor.

Infants & children:
Probably safe, but check with doctor.

Prolonged use:
Not recommended.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:
No special problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.