How Do I Administer Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray?

Instructions for fluticasone propionate nasal spray often vary, as individual patients may require different amounts. Typically, the amount of sprays necessary for treatment vary with age. The delivery mechanism itself may also require special handling in certain situations.

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray contains an artificial steroid. This steroid imitates the action of natural hormone in the body that calms inflammation. If you suffer from allergies, you may have inflammation inside the nose that produces undesirable symptoms like a runny nose. The nasal spray delivery method helps get the medication directly to the affected area.

Drug manufacturers often have specific instructions or recommendations for use of their medications. In the case of this type of nasal spray, the bottle may require certain actions for it to work properly. You should always shake the bottle to ensure the medicine is mixed well before removing the cap.

The pump mechanism for the bottle may require six repetitive presses before it is ready to spray, if the bottle is new or if you have not used it for a week or longer. Your nose should be clear, and if it is not, blow it thoroughly before spraying. Press one finger on one nostril, then insert the nozzle of the fluticasone propionate nasal spray into the free nostril, and pump.

You may then inhale a single spray from the bottle, after a push down on the applicator, and exhale through the mouth. Adult patients may require more than one spray at a time, each day. Children under the age of 18 may need less.

As different manufacturers and even different versions of medications can have varying instructions, with each new nasal spray you should read the attached instructions. If the bottle holds a certain amount of doses, but does not seem empty after you complete all doses, then the excess may not be suitable for use. Fluticasone propionate nasal spray applicators may also become blocked up and therefore you may need to remove them, cleaning them weekly with warm water.

Excessive use of the spray can result in abnormal steroid hormone levels in the body. The drug can also slow growth in kids and so may only be suitable if the benefits outweigh the risks. Other possible side effects include local irritation to the nose, dizziness and an increased risk of yeast infections in the throat and nose.