Flixonase nasule drops

How does it work?

Flixonase nasule drops contain the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands that have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses.

Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is adminstered by nasal drops to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages.

Nasal polyps occur when the linings of the sinuses become inflamed and swollen. These inflamed linings push out into the nasal passages, forming growths called polyps. The polyps can block the nose, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. They may be caused by allergy or irritation.

When fluticasone is administered into the nose, it is absorbed into the cells of the inflamed tissue forming the polyps. It works by stopping these cells from producing various inflammation-causing chemicals. These include prostaglandins and various other inflammatory substances. By preventing these inflammatory chemicals from being released, fluticasone reduces the inflammation and so helps to shrink the polyps.

It can take several weeks for these nose drops to shrink the polyps. It is important to keep using them regularly, as directed by your doctor. However, if you don't notice any improvement in your symtpoms after four to six weeks of using the drops, you should consult your doctor.

What is it used for?

Nasal polyps

Warning!

This medicine is only intended for use in the nose and must not be taken by mouth.

When taken in high doses for long periods of time, corticosteroids have the potential to cause glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), slowed growth in children and adolescents, and to decrease the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce natural steroid hormones). These side effects on other areas of the body are called systemic side effects and are unlikely to occur with these nose drops, because the amount of fluticasone absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose is very low. However, as a precaution, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose needed to control your symptoms. You should not exceed this prescribed dose.

Use with caution in

Infection of the nasal passages and sinuses (the infection should be treated)

People who have had recent nasal surgery or injury

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine is not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine when used during pregnancy has not been established. However, only minimal amounts of the medicine pass into the bloodstream after using the nasal drops. As with all medicines they should be avoided during pregnancy, unless the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is unlikely that this medicine will pass into breast milk after application into the nose. However, it should be used with caution by mothers who are breastfeeding, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Dryness and irritation of nose and throat

Headache

Unpleasant taste and smell

Perforation of nasal septum (very rare)

Very rare allergic reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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