How long does it take for Flonase to work?

You may wonder how fast does Flonase work, especially if you've just started using it to help prevent allergy symptoms.

While many people feel effects after the first dose, it may take 3 to 4 days of regular use of Flonase nasal spray for the full effect on allergy symptoms. For this reason, nasal steroids like Flonase are most effective when used on a regular basis for long-term relief.

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray is used once per day in both adults and children 4 years of age and older to provide 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.

How long will Flonase last?

In two studies when Flonase (fluticasone propionate) was compared to a placebo (a nasal spray without medicine), results showed sustained relief of nasal symptoms.

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

In a 22 day long clinical study, researchers evaluated Flonase in 227 adult patients with moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis during the fall pollen season. Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis often occur in spring, summer, and early fall.

In the study, the doses of Flonase were 200 mcg once daily (equal to 2 Flonase sprays in each nostril once per day), 100 mcg twice daily (equal to 1 Flonase spray in each nostril twice per day), or a matching placebo (no medicine).

On day 3, researchers found that there was a two times reduction in nasal allergy symptoms, including morning nasal obstruction. Overall, Flonase given once daily in the morning was as effective as the twice daily dosage, and these regimens were more effective than placebo.

Perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round symptoms)

Long-term effectiveness of a nasal allergy spray would be important for people with year-round allergies.

In a 24 week-long study, researchers evaluated Flonase in 365 patients 12 years of age or older with moderate to severe perennial allergic rhinitis. Perennial allergic rhinitis is allergy symptoms that occur year-round.

Patients received either Flonase 200 mcg once daily, (equal to 2 Flonase sprays in each nostril once per day), Flonase 100 mcg twice daily (equal to 1 Flonase spray in each nostril twice per day), or a matching placebo (no medicine).

Researchers found that nasal symptom severity scores, including less nasal obstruction upon awakening, were improved within 1 week of treatment with either regimen and 59% of patients had a moderate-to-significant reduction in symptoms over the 24-week treatment period.

Note: For adults and children 12 years of age and older, check with your healthcare provider for continued use of Flonase after 6 months of daily use. For children 4 to 11 years of age, speak to the child’s doctor after 2 months of daily use.

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. Speak to your child’s doctor after 2 months of daily use.

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.

Related Questions

• What are the risks of using Flonase long-term?
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