Flixonase

Key points

• Relieves symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing and itching
• Works within 12 hours
• 150 doses

What is Flixonase nasal spray?

Flixonase is a steroid nasal spray which contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passage, to combat symptoms of hay fever and allergy.
 

What is Flixonase used for?

Flixonase is used to treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and allergy, such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Itching

Two sprays to be used in each nostril once daily, preferably in the morning. Increase the dose to two sprays into each nostril twice daily if necessary.

Important note: You should aim to reduce the dose to one spray into each nostril daily, once control has been achieved.
 

How to use Flixonase nasal spray

1. Shake the spray
2. Remove the cap from the bottle
3. Blow your nose
4. Close one nostril with your finger
5. Rest your thumb on the base of the spray and put your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle
6. Point the nozzle in the open nostril
7. Press down with your fingers to release a spray
8. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth
9. Repeat these steps on your other nostril

Active ingredient: Fluticasone propionate 50mcg

Inactive ingredients: Carmellose sodium, glucose, cellulose microcrystalline, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, phenylethyl alcohol and purified water

Like all medications, Flixonase nasal spray can cause side effects, although most people do not get them. You may experience sneezing and an unpleasant smell or taste in your nose. These will not last long.

Flixonase side effects include:

Very common: Affecting more than 10% of users

• Nose bleeds

Common: Affecting up to 10% of users

• Headache
• Foul taste
• Foul smell
• Painful or dry throat or nose

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty or restricted breathing
• Light-headedness or weakness
• Swelling of the nose, face, throat, or tongue
• Severe skin irritation

Is it safe to use Flixonase long-term?

Flixonase is generally well tolerated and safe to use long-term, as very little of the drug is absorbed into your blood stream. However, larger doses over a long period of time can very rarely affect the production of normal steroids in your body. To avoid this from happening, you should use Flixonase nasal spray at the lowest possible dose, and only use it during exposure to allergens.

Important note: If you need to use Flixonase long-term, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Flixonase if:

• You are allergic to any of its ingredients
• You have a current infection in your nose
• You have nasal trauma (from an injury or an operation)

Flixonase is usually safe to use in pregnancy, as very small amounts of the drug enter the blood stream. However, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are using larger doses over a long period of time.

Flixonase is usually safe to use by most breastfeeding women. However, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist, so that they can assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Flixonase nasal spray does not have many interactions, as very small amounts enter the blood. However, you should let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are using:

• Any other nasal preparations
• Steroid tablets
• Ritonavir – an antiviral medication
• Ketoconazole – an antifungal medication

It is likely that you will still be able to use Flixonase nasal spray.

Flixonase nasal drops vs Flixonase nasal spray

Flixonase nasal drops deliver a higher dose of the steroid, fluticasone propionate. According to research, Flixonase nasal drops were found to be more effective than the spray. Unfortunately, the nasal drops have now been discontinued due to the closure of the manufacturing site.
 

Fluticasone nasal spray

Fluticasone nasal spray is the generic version of Flixonase. Both treatments contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
 

Flixonase vs Beconase

• Flixonase contains fluticasone propionate
• Beconase contains beclomethasone
• Flixonase is a prescription only medication
• Beconase is available to buy over the counter
• Clinical studies indicate that Flixonase is more effective than Beconase at managing symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

Flixonase vs Avamys

• Flixonase contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate whilst Avamys contains the active ingredient fluticasone furoate
• Both treatments are effective, however, clinical studies indicate that Avamys may be slightly more effective

Flixonase vs Flonase

• Flixonase and Flonase contain the same active ingredient in the same strength
• Flonase is not available in the UK, but is available over the counter in different countries
• They both have the same clinical effect

1. NHS UK. (n.d.). About Fluticasone Nasal Spray and Drops. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluticasone-nasal-spray-and-drops/about-fluticasone-nasal-spray-and-drops/

2. British National Formulary. (n.d.). Fluticasone. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/fluticasone/