Furamist Nasal Spray (120 MDI)

Furamist Nasal Spray (fluticasone propionate nasal spray)

fluticasone propionate nasal spray Uses?

Furamist Nasal Spray is used to control symptoms of asthma, allergies of nose, throat or chest that cause symptoms of stuffy, runny or itchy nose, sneezing and watery, itchy or red eyes, skin problems like itchy rash (eczema), redness and itchiness (psoriasis), inflammation (dermatitis), prickly heat or insect bites in adults or dermatitis in children.

How it works

Furamist Nasal Spray belongs to a class of drugs called glucocorticoids/st***ds. It prevents the release of the substances in the body that cause inflammation and allergies.

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is an inhalable antihistamine that is used to treat patients who are suffering from seasonal allergies like hay fever, chronic rhinitis and asthma etc. These are synthetically produced corticost***ds, similar to those produced by the adrenal gland. This medication is used to treat seasonal or perennial rhinitis along with asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Furamist Nasal Spray is available in the dosage form of nasal spray and reduces the symptoms of seasonal allergies like stuffy, runny, or itchy nose; sneezing; and red, itchy, or watery eyes. This drug is prescribed for adults and children above 4 years of age. Fluticasone takes at least 8-24 hours to show its full fledged effect.

How it works?

Uramist Nasal Spray contains st***ds that work by decreasing the inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis and asthma. Corticost***ds are known to show wide range of effects on various types of cells like mast cells, eosinophils and neutrophils etc. and also on the mediators like histamines and cytokines that have inflammatory actions.

When should you avoid it?

You should not take this drug if you:

• Are allergic to fluticasone propionate nasal spray
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breast feeding mother
• Any other kind of ongoing allergies
• Have severe liver problem
• Have extreme nasal problems
• Have concomitant skin infections

How much to take?

The dosage of this drug varies with the age group for which it is suggested and the condition of the patient. Take the drug as directed by your doctor. The usual recommended dosage is:

For adults and children( 12 years and above):

Two sprays in each nostril once daily. Once the symptoms are relieved to a certain extent the dosage may be decreased to 1 spray in each nostril.

For children ( 4-11 years)

The usual dose is 1 spray in each nostril once a day. If severe cases are found then the dose may be increased up to 2 sprays in each nostril.

This drug is not yet established safe for children below the age of 4 years.

Your doctor is the one who decides the right dosage. Therefore the drug must be always taken as recommended by the doctor or physician.

What are the strengths available?

The drug is available in following strengths depending upon the active ingredient that is fluticasone propionate nasal spray:

• Furamist 27.5 mcg per spray
• Flixonase 50 mcg nasal spray
• Flomist 50 mcg nasal spray

How to use?

• Gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils
• Shake the bottle of the spray well
• Remove the dust cap and follow the steps:
• Tilt your head and place the nozzle of the spray at the side of the nose
• Press the button to spray the medication while breathing inside the nose
• Remove the nozzle from the nose and breath out through the mouth
• Repeat the steps for the other nostril
• Wipe the nozzle with a clean cloth, replace the dust cap and store in an upright position

When to take?

Take your dose at the same time each day. Taking it at the same time each day will help you remember the dose. It will then become a part of your daily routine. Take your doctor?s advice about the time of dosage.

For how long should it be taken?

It is important to continue taking your medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop the drug without doctor?s advice. This medicine controls your condition, but does not cure it.

What if you take too much (overdose)?

Too much Furamist may cause nasal congestion, pharyngeal candidiasis, pharyngitis, dysphoria and cough. In such a case visit nearest healthcare center or call your doctor immediately.

What if you miss the dose?

If you forget to take the dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is at least 12 hours before your next dose. Do not double up the dose for the missed one.

What are the side effects?

• Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
• Headache, Nose bleeds, Pain, burning in nose, Irritation or dryness in the inside of the nose, Nasal ulceration, Eye irritation or redness, Nausea and vomiting, Bronchospasm, Feeling that your heart is racing
• In such cases you must go for immediate medical help. Do not get alarmed by the list. You may /may not experience all of them.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

Some of the drugs may interfere with the working of this drug like:

Azole? antifungal (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole), Ritonavir, Darunavir, Fosamprenavir, Indinavir, Lopinavir, Nelfinavir

You should also ask your doctor about the full list of the drugs that should be avoided or that you should be careful of while taking fluticasone propionate nasal spray. Also check with your doctor about any kind of prescription medicines, OTC or herbal medicines that you might be taking.

What are the things to be taken care of?

• Never let the medicine to enter into your eyes, if it happens then flush your eyes with the tap or cold water for many minutes
• Always store the medicine in an upright position
• This drug may decrease the growth velocity in children
• Do not give the medicine to anyone else, even if they have same conditions as you have
• If using the medicine after a long gap, then spray the pump in air 6 times or until a fine mist is sprayed from the bottle

Expert advice

• Do not use the medicine (inhaler or spray): If you are allergic to it or to any other content in the medicine. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
• Inform your doctor before using the medicine if you have tuberculosis, other chest or lung infection, breathing problem, cold, liver disease or thin or brittle bones.
• Do not use fluticasone propionate nasal spray to treat an asthma attack that has already begun.
• Do not use fluticasone propionate nasal spray of you are allergic to milk proteins.
• Do not use the fluticasone cream on areas where you have itchiness, redness, rashes, infection or acne on the skin.
• Inform your doctor if you have breathing problems or tightness in the chest even after taking the medicine.

FAQs

Fluticasone

Q: Is fluticasone propionate nasal spray safe in pregnancy?
A: Fluticasone propionate nasal spray may cause harm to the fetus. Hence, it is not advisable to take Fluticasone in pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

Q: Is fluticasone an antibiotic/st***d/anti-histaminic/anti-cholinergic drug? Does it contain sulfa?
A: Fluticasone is a st***d but not an antibiotic/anti-histaminic/anti-cholinerhic/decongestant drug. It is used to treat nasal congestion (decongestant) and other symptoms caused by allergies or conditions like asthma. It does not contain sulfa.

Q: Is fluticasone propionate nasal spray available over the counter?
A: No. fluticasone propionate nasal spray is a prescription drug. It is not available over the counter.

Q: Is Fluticasone the same as Nasonex/Flonase? Does it contain acetaminophen?
A: Fluticasone is also available in the branded form as Flonase nasal spray. However, Nasonex consists of another drug called Mometasone also used for treating nasal allergies. Acetaaminofen is a different medication.

Q: Is fluticasone propionate nasal spray safe? Is it used in infants?
A: Yes. fluticasone propionate nasal spray is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor. It is used for skin allergies in children or infants. Please consult your doctor before use.

Q: What is used for? Is fluticasone propionate nasal spray used for cold?
A: Fluticasone propionate nasal spray (in the form of inhaler) is used to treat symptoms of asthma and nasal inflammation such as coughing, wheezing, blocked nose, runny nose. It is also used as topical cream to treat various skin allergies and infections. It is not used for common cold.

Q: Can I take fluticasone with Benadryl/Sudafed/Zyrtec/ Afrin/Allegra/Mucinex?
A: Yes. Fluticasone may be taken with Benadryl (diphenhydramine)/Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)/Zyrtec (cetrizine)/ Afrin (oxymetazoline)/Allegra (fexofenadine)/Mucinex (guaifenesin) if prescribed by your doctor.

Q: Does fluticasone propionate nasal spray cause weight gain/drowsiness/ wakefulness?
A: fluticasone propionate nasal spray may cause weight gain since it is a st***d drug. It may cause drowsiness or wakefulness. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Q: Is fluticasone propionate nasal spray addictive?
A: No. fluticasone propionate nasal spray is not an addictive or a controlled/banned substance.

Q: Dose fluticasone propionate nasal spray cause nose bleeds?
A: Yes. The most common and expected side-effect of fluticasone propionate nasal spray/inhaler is nose bleeding. If your bleeding is more or does not stop, please consult your doctor.

Q: Can I take fluticasone propionate nasal spray if I have high blood pressure?
A: It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking fluticasone propionate nasal spray if you have high blood pressure.