Flonase Allergy Relief: Dosage, side effects, interactions, more

Flonase Allergy Relief is a brand-name over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray that relieves allergy symptoms. Flonase Allergy Relief contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate and belongs to the glucocorticoid drug class.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Flonase Allergy Relief to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 4 years and older. The symptoms it treats are:

An OTC product similar to Flonase Allergy Relief is Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief. Both products are nondrowsy medications. The following table highlights some primary differences.

This article focuses on Flonase Allergy Relief.

Flonase Allergy Relief is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage recommended. Your doctor can also determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Flonase Allergy Relief comes as a nasal spray in one strength of 50 micrograms (mcg) per spray.

Flonase Allergy Relief is approved to treat allergy symptoms in children ages 4 to 11 years. Children should use Flonase Allergy Relief only for the shortest amount of time needed for symptom relief. Before your child uses Flonase Allergy Relief for longer than 2 months per year, talk with their doctor.

The manufacturer notes that the growth rate in some children may be slower during treatment with Flonase Allergy Relief.

Ages 4 to 11 years: The dosage for children ages 4 to 11 years is 1 spray in each nostril once daily.

Ages 12 years and older: The dosage for children ages 12 years and older is the same as the adult dosage, as follows:

Adults should supervise the use of Flonase Allergy Relief in children.

Note: Flonase Allergy Relief is not approved for use in children under age 4 years.

Here you can learn about priming and using your bottle of Flonase Allergy Relief.

If your bottle is new or has not been used in 1 week or more, you will have to prime the nozzle before use. You’ll also have to prime it if you just cleaned the nozzle. Follow these steps:

Using more than the recommended dosage of Flonase Allergy Relief can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Flonase Allergy Relief than your doctor recommends.

If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Flonase Allergy Relief can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Flonase Allergy Relief. These lists do not include all side effects possible.

For more information about the possible side effects of Flonase Allergy Relief, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone. It gives doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using Flonase Allergy Relief and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Flonase Allergy Relief. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or see the manufacturer’s website.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects from Flonase Allergy Relief aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Any of the mild and serious side effects listed could also occur in children using Flonase Allergy Relief. In addition, a slower growth rate is possible in some children during treatment with this medication.

For some people, Flonase Allergy Relief can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Flonase Allergy Relief, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Flonase Allergy Relief is approved to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 4 years and older. The symptoms it treats are:

Check with your doctor before using Flonase Allergy Relief with other allergy medications. Also, read the next section to learn about drugs that may interact with Flonase Allergy Relief.

Flonase Allergy Relief can interact with several other medications. It’s not known whether it interacts with vitamins, supplements, foods, lab tests, or vaccines.

Before using Flonase Allergy Relief, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, OTC, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Here is a list of medications that can interact with Flonase Allergy Relief. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Flonase Allergy Relief. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol is not known to interact with Flonase Allergy Relief. It’s likely safe to consume alcohol while using Flonase Allergy Relief. If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while using Flonase Allergy Relief, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

As with all medications, the cost of Flonase Allergy Relief can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your location and the pharmacy you use. If you have health insurance, it may depend on your insurance plan if your doctor prescribes this drug for you.

Flonase Allergy Relief is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Flonase Allergy Relief, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It’s not known whether Flonase Allergy Relief should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

It’s not known whether Flonase Allergy Relief should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Flonase Allergy Relief is a corticosteroid (a steroid) that you spray into the nose. It contains fluticasone propionate, which works by blocking the release of six substances known to cause allergies. This action relieves allergy symptoms of the nose and eyes.

Flonase Allergy Relief works in the nose. Because of this, the body absorbs only a minimal amount.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Flonase Allergy Relief.

Like Flonase Allergy Relief, Nasacort Allergy 24hr is an OTC glucocorticoid (steroid) product used to treat certain allergy symptoms.

See this article about Nasacort vs. Flonase, which compares their side effects, interactions, and more.

Flonase for kids is called Children’s Flonase Allergy Relief. This article describes Flonase Allergy Relief, a medication that’s identical to Children’s Flonase Allergy Relief. With both products, the dosage for children ages 4 to 11 years is 1 spray in each nostril once daily.

Each product has different packaging and contents. Children’s Flonase Allergy Relief has one nasal spray bottle containing 72 sprays. Flonase Allergy Relief has three nasal spray bottles, each containing 144 sprays.

Children should not use either product for more than 2 months per year. If you think your child may need to use it longer than that, talk with their doctor first.

Before using Flonase Allergy Relief, discuss your health history with your doctor. Flonase Allergy Relief may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

If you’re considering Flonase Allergy Relief for your child, talk with their doctor if any of the same factors apply to them. Flonase Allergy Relief is not approved for use in children under age 4 years.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Flonase Allergy Relief, see the “Flonase Allergy Relief side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.