Nasarel

Generic Name: flunisolide nasal (floo NIS oh lide)

Brand Names: Nasarel

What is Nasarel (flunisolide nasal)?

Flunisolide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Flunisolide nasal is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Flunisolide nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Nasarel (flunisolide nasal)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flunisolide, or if you have any type of untreated infection in your nose or sinuses.

Before using flunisolide, tell your doctor if you have asthma, tuberculosis, herpes simplex infection of your eyes, sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you have recently had an injury of or surgery on your nose.

It may take up to several days of using flunisolide before your symptoms improve. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.

Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using flunisolide nasal.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Nasarel (flunisolide nasal)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flunisolide, or if you have any type of untreated infection in your nose or sinuses.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

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  asthma;

  
  


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  tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;

  
  


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  herpes simplex infection of your eyes;

  
  


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  sores or ulcers inside your nose; or

  
  


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  if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether flunisolide nasal is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether flunisolide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use flunisolide nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using flunisolide nasal.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use Nasarel (flunisolide nasal)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

The usual dose for adults is 2 sprays into each nostril 2 or 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not use more than 8 sprays in each nostril per day.

The usual dose for children is 1 spray into each nostril 3 times per day, or 2 sprays in each nostril twice per day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Children should not use more than 4 sprays in each nostril per day.

Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Spray 5 to 6 test sprays into the air until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 5 days, or if you have taken the pump apart for cleaning.

It may take up to several days of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Throw the medication away after you have used 200 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of flunisolide nasal is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Nasarel (flunisolide nasal)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Nasarel (flunisolide nasal) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  severe or ongoing nose bleed;

  
  


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  sores in the nose that won't heal; or

  
  


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  weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  burning or stinging in your nose;

  
  


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  changes in your sense of smell;

  
  


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  minor nosebleed;

  
  


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  unusual taste after using the spray;

  
  


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  dry nose, cough, sore throat; or

  
  


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  hoarse voice.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nasarel (flunisolide nasal)?

Before using flunisolide, tell your doctor if you are being treated with prednisone.

There may be other drugs that can interact with flunisolide nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Nasarel resources

• Nasarel Side Effects (in more detail)
• Nasarel Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Nasarel Support Group
• 1 Review for Nasarel - Add your own review/rating

• Nasarel Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Nasarel Spray MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Nasarel with other medications

• Hay Fever

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about flunisolide nasal.

See also: Nasarel side effects (in more detail)