How often can you use Flonase nasal spray?
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray is used once per day in both adults and children to provide 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Nasal steroids like Flonase are most effective when used on a regular basis. It may take 3 to 4 days of regular use for the full effect during allergy season.
Do not use more than:
- 2 sprays in each nostril once per day (200 mcg total daily dose) for adults and children 12 years and older
- 1 spray in each nostril once per day (100 mcg total daily dose) for children 4 to 11 years old
- Higher doses have not been proven to be more effective.
Studies in adults have shown that the administration of Flonase Allergy Relief once daily in the morning was as effective as a twice daily dosage regimen (one spray in each nostril twice a day), and either regimen was more effective than placebo.
Flonase dosing
Flonase Allergy Relief is used for seasonal and year-round allergies, including tree, grass and weed pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. It helps with both indoor and outdoor allergies.
Adults and children 12 years of age and older
- The dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is two sprays in each nostril once daily for the first week (total dose of 200 mcg), then 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed to treat your symptoms, up to 6 months. Each spray equals 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate.
- Alternatively, in adults one spray in each nostril administered twice daily (for example, at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) is also effective.
- After the first few days, patients may be able to reduce their dose to 1 spray in each nostril once daily for maintenance therapy. If your symptoms get worse, go back to 2 sprays in each nostril.
- Ask your doctor if you can keep using Flonase Allergy Relief after 6 months of daily use.
Children 4 to 11 years of age
- The dose for children aged 4 to 11 years of age is one spray in each nostril once daily (total dose of 100 mcg). Do not use more than one spray in each nostril per day. Use in children should be under adult supervision. If symptoms do not improve, contact your healthcare provider.
- After 2 months of daily use in children 4 to 11 years, consult with your healthcare provider.
- Do not use Flonase Allergy Relief in children under 4 years of age.
The growth rate of some children may be slowed, so they should only use Flonase Allergy for the shortest amount of time possible to control symptoms. If your child needs Flonase Allergy for longer than two months per year, talk to your child's doctor for advice.
For children younger than 4 years of age, Children's Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate) is available for children 2 to 11 years age and is given as 1 spray (27.5 mcg/spray) in each nostril once a day. Do not use more than one spray in each nostril per day. If your child still needs treatment after 2 months of use, contact their doctor.
Be sure to refer to the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Facts Labeling, found in the Flonase package, for specific information.
Related questions
- What are the risks of using Flonase long-term?
- Which is stronger, Flonase OTC or prescription?
- How long does it take for Flonase to work?
Is over-the-counter Flonase the same as the prescription Flonase?
Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) Flonase Allergy Relief is exactly the same as prescription Flonase - it’s the same medicine, fluticasone propionate, at the same strength and dose. The prescription branded Flonase product is now discontinued in the U.S, but OTC Flonase products, generics, and store brands are available.
Should I keep taking my allergy pill with Flonase?
It depends. You usually don't need to keep taking an oral allergy pill if you are using Flonase Allergy at the right dose. But always follow your doctor's directions.
In studies, Flonase nasal spray at a dose of 200 mcg day used in combination with Zyrtec (cetirizine) allergy pill 10 mg daily was not shown to be more effective than using Flonase alone for nasal or eye allergy symptoms.
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays like Flonase are very effective as a single treatment and cause few side effects at the recommended doses.
- Nose bleeds and coughing are the most common side effects.
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays usually work better than OTC oral antihistamines (such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) for nasal congestion, sneezing and post-nasal drip because they address many of the inflammatory molecules in the body that lead to allergies, not just histamine.
- Plus, antihistamines like Benadryl and even Zyrtec may cause drowsiness and make driving a hazard or classroom learning a challenge.
This is not all the information you need to know about Flonase Allergy Relief for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Nathan RA, Bronsky EA, Fireman P, et al. Once daily fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray is an effective treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy 1991;67:332-338.
- Banov CH, Woehler TR, LaForce CF, Pearlman DS, Blumenthal MN, Morgan WF, Frazer H, Southern DL, Gold B, Field E, et al. Once daily intranasal fluticasone propionate is effective for perennial allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy. 1994 Sep;73(3):240-6. PMID: 8092559.
- Flonase. Dosage. Drugs.com. Accessed May 23, 2023 at https://www.drugs.com/dosage/flonase.html
- Flonase.com Drug Facts. Haleon. Accessed May 23, 2023 at https://www.flonase.com/products/flonase-allergy-relief/drug-facts/?drug_facts
- Flonase Allergy Relief. Haleon Health Partners. Accessed May 23, 2023 at https://www.haleonhealthpartner.com/en-us/respiratory-health/brands/flonase-products/flonase/allergy-relief-flonase/
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