How Should This Medicine Be Used
Fluticasone comes as a liquid to spray in the nose. When fluticasone nasal spray is used to relieve hay fever, and other allergy symptoms, or nonallergic rhinitis, it is usually sprayed in each nostril once daily. Alternatively, fluticasone nasal spray is sometimes sprayed in each nostril twice daily at a lower dose as recommended by your doctor. When fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat nasal polyps, it is usually sprayed once or twice in each nostril twice daily. If you are an adult, you will begin your treatment with a higher dose of fluticasone nasal spray and then decrease your dose when your symptoms improve. If you are giving fluticasone nasal spray to a child, you will begin treatment with a lower dose of the medication and increase the dose if the child’s symptoms do not improve. Decrease the dose when the child’s symptoms improve. Follow the directions on your prescription or product label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fluticasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package label or prescribed by your doctor.
Fluticasone nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Do not swallow the nasal spray and be careful not to spray it into your eyes or mouth.
Each bottle of fluticasone nasal spray should only be used by one person. Do not share fluticasone nasal spray because this may spread germs.
Nasal Decongestant Pills And Sprays
Nasal decongestants are used for quick, temporary relief of nasal congestion. They come in a variety of forms, such as:
- Pills like Sudafed® Congestion
- Liquids like Mucinex® and Vicks Sinex Nighttime Liquicaps
- Sprays like Afrin®
And they are most commonly used for colds, sinusitis, hay fever, allergies, and rhinitis.;
Work With An Expert To Find Relief Faster
Deciding which allergy treatment option is right for you can be difficult. Its important to understand your exact type and severity of allergies and discuss all of your options with a specialist. Working with an expert to discuss your symptoms and determine your best course of action will help you find the right medication and get relief from allergy symptoms faster. Schedule a consultation with Advanced ENT & Allergy Center to get to the root of your allergies and find the right treatment for your lifestyle.;
Also Check: Can You Drink After Taking Allergy Medicine
Best For Treating Itching And Nasal Allergy Symptoms
Antihistamines work by targeting and blocking histamine, which is the chemical substance your body releases when exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Antihistamine treatments can take the form of pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Once antihistamine medications are in your bloodstream, they can quickly reduce symptoms caused by allergens and prevent the release of histamines in the first place.
Taking antihistamines before or during exposure to an allergen can help limit and even prevent allergy symptoms. Antihistamine pills are most effective against itching, sneezing and runny nose, while nasal sprays are primarily designed to relieve congestion and pressure. Its important to note that certain antihistamine, especially older drugs, can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so you should be careful to avoid certain activities like driving after taking some antihistamines.
Nasal Decongestants Vs Flonase Nasal Sprays
Nasal decongestants only relieve a stuffy nose, but FLONASE nasal sprays are different. FLONASE relieves a stuffy nose too, as well as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.;In addition, FLONASE once-daily nasal sprays provide 24-hour relief, while some nasal decongestants must be taken multiple times a day.;;
It is important to note that nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin® are not to be used for longer than 3 straight days as the label directs. FLONASE nasal sprays, on the other hand, can be used daily as directed for as long as you’re exposed to allergens that bother you.
If you’d like to learn more about how FLONASE can efficiently and effectively treat your allergy symptoms, click;here.
FLONASE SENSIMIST is indicated for itchy, watery eyes in adults and children 12 years of age and older. See product pages for full information.
Mucinex® is a registered trademark of Reckitt Benckiser.;
Vicks Sinex Nighttime Liquicaps is a trademark of Procter & Gamble.;
Afrin® is a registered trademark of Bayer.;
1. MayoClinic. Allergy medications: Know your options.; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403. Accessed August 1, 2018.;
2. AAFA. Allergy Overview. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=81. Accessed August 1, 2018.
Don’t Miss: Can Allergies Cause Asthma Attacks
Claritin And Its Uses
The generic name for Claritin is Loratadine and is sold under several brand names like Alavert, Claritin Reditab, Dimetapp and more. Claritin is an antihistamine that is used to reduce the effects of natural chemical histamine of the body. Histamine is responsible for the production of symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Claritin is used for treating symptoms like itching, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing from hay fever or other allergies. It can also be used to relieve itching from hives.
One should not take Claritin if he/she is allergic to desloratadine or loratadine. Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before he prescribes this medication to you. Let the doctor know if you have any liver or kidney disease before you use Claritin. Tell your doctor if you have medical conditions like asthma, kidney disease or liver disease when he recommends Claritin to you.
Although Claritin is not known to harm the unborn baby but make sure you inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become so or if you are breastfeeding as Loratadine can pass into the breast milk and harm the baby feeding on it.
Since Flonase Allergy Is A Nasal Spray I Don’t Have To Be Worried About Drug Interactions
- There is the possibility of some significant interactions between Flonase Allergy and other common medications. Some drug interactions might raise the levels of fluticasone in your body and lead to side effects.
- Some interactions can occur when fluticasone is given with medicines that inhibit an enzyme in the body known CYP450 3A4. This may increase the amount of fluticasone in your body following intranasal administration.
You should talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the possibility of drug interactions before using any drugs with Flonase Allergy, including:
- Certain HIV medications, including ritonavir, boceprevir, and atazanavir
- Clarithromycin
It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter, dietary supplements, vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Recommended Reading: How Long Do Spring Allergies Last
Should I Worry About A Severe Allergic Reaction To The Vaccine
An allergic reaction is considered severe when a person needs to be treated with epinephrine or an EpiPen or if the person must go to the hospital, says the CDC. This includes anaphylaxis, a reaction that includes symptoms such as wheezing, nausea, vomiting, hives, dizziness, and/or fainting.
Your chances of a severe reaction arent zero, but its a very small chance, and people have to understand that allergic reactions are treatable, says Fung.
Post-vaccination anaphylaxis occurred in approximately two to five people per million vaccinated in the United States, according to the CDC. This kind of allergic reaction almost always occurs within 30 minutes after vaccination, and vaccine staff have medicines to immediately treat it.
Seasonal allergies arent going to cause you to have a severe reaction. If youve had severe allergic reactions in the past from food, pets, venom, latex, environmental allergies, or oral medications, you also remain advised to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
There are no food components or latex in any of the vaccines, says Fung. If you have a history of anaphylaxis from an egg or peanut or bee sting allergy, we tell people to bring an EpiPen and be prepared to wait for a 30-minute observational period. But its a precaution, and it goes for anyone with a history of anaphylaxis in general.
Its important to remember that the risk of having a severe COVID infection still outweighs the risk of a severe allergic reaction, says Fung.
Expert sources:
Can You Use Nasal Spray For Allergies In Combination
Yes, there are steroid and antihistamine sprays available in a combination product. However, this combo is currently available only with a doctors prescription. An example is the medication Dymista .
Ideally, youll be able to use a steroid nasal spray alone to treat your nasal allergy symptoms. But if the steroid alone isnt as effective as it could be, you may wish to try a combination product.
Read Also: How To Unblock Your Ears From Allergies
Conditions Treated By Flonase And Claritin
Flonase and Claritin can both be used to manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in the nasal passages, which causes a stuffy nose and itchy eyes, among other symptoms.
Flonase can also be used to treat nonallergic rhinitis, or rhinitis caused by triggers other than allergens. Allergic rhinitis can be ruled out after an allergy test. While Claritin is sometimes used, its not typically a first-line treatment for nonallergic rhinitis.
Claritin can also be used to treat hives, or urticaria. Claritin can treat itchy skin from hives in children and adults.
| Condition |
| Yes |
Which Allergy Medications Affect My Blood Pressure
You should;avoid decongestants if you have high blood pressure;or heart problems. Decongestants constrict blood vessels to open nasal passages and facilitate breathing. Because decongestants constrict blood vessels throughout your body, they can worsen hypertension. Additionally, decongestants stimulate the release of norepinephrine in your body, which raises your blood pressure and your heart rate.
When choosing an allergy medication, be aware of combination products that contain decongestants. Products that contain a decongestant typically have the words;sinus,;cold,;congestion, or;;on the label. They may also be labeled with the letters;D, PD,;or;PE;after the name.
Examples of allergy medicines that contain decongestants include the following:
- Allegra D
- Benadryl D
- Clarinex D
- Claritin D
- Sudafed Sinus and Allergy
- Zyrtec D
The list above is a small sample of allergy medications that contain decongestants. Always check with your pharmacist before choosing allergy medications.
Read Also: Can Allergies Cause Headaches And Dizziness
Not Starting With A Nasal Steroid Spray
For all allergy symptomsincluding runny nose and itchy eyescorticosteroid nasal sprays work the best and should be your first choice. A nasal spray for eye and nose symptoms? Yes. , , and nasal sprays are all good options. Flonase and Nasonex are both available as generics, but generic Flonase is cheaper. You might also be able to save on these by asking your doctor for a prescription instead of getting the spray over the counter.
I’ll Keep Taking My Antihistamine Pill For Added Effect
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.
- Intranasal glucocorticoids 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 steroids usually work better than oral antihistamines 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 Zyrtec may cause drowsiness and make driving a hazard or classroom learning a challenge.
Learn More: Allergy Guide: Prevention and Treatment Options
Also Check: Can Food Allergies Cause Asthma Attack
Does Allergy Medicine Expire Yes But It May Still Be Effective
- Allergy medicine expires, but it may still be effective for up to two or more years after the expiration date.
- Liquid allergy medicine, such as nasal sprays, tend to expire earlier than antihistamine tablets, and they will lose effectiveness more quickly after expiring.
- This article was medically reviewed by Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist and laryngologist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institutes Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Centre at Providence Saint Johns Health Centre in Santa Monica, CA.
- Visit Insiders Health Reference library for more advice.
Yes, allergy medicine will expire eventually. However, depending on the type of medication, you may still get some relief after the expiration date has passed.
Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamine tablets tend to stay effective longer than liquid medicines, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays.
Heres what you need to know about when the different types of allergy medicine expire and how long after they may still be effective to take.
Flonase Allergy Is Otc So I Can’t Use My Flex Account
Flonase Allergy Relief averages about $20 to $25 per bottle for 144 spray size, and about $15 for the 72 spray size at most pharmacies and retail shops. You can sign up for a coupon on the manufacturer’s website, too. The cost for and Flonase Sensimist is roughly the same.
You may be able to purchase Flonase over-the-counter products using your healthcare flexible spending account .
- In 2020, the CARES Act expanded the coverage of OTC products for these accounts.
- The rules are dependent upon your flex plan, too, so check with your insurance carrier or employer about using your flex account for over-the-counter medications written on a prescription by your doctor.
You May Like: How To Tell If A Puppy Has Allergies
My Allergies Are Unbearable Today I Take Zyrtec And Flonase Daily And They Did Nothing I Took Allegra Too With No Relief Can I Also Take Claritin
Dr. Corey ClayZyrtecAllegrahistaminereceptorsAllergist Dr. Shahid RafiqueZyrtecAllegraoverdosingPCPinfectioncorticosteroidsDr. Alvin LinZyrtecAllegraClaritinantihistaminesFlonasenasal steroidpollenallergensmontelukast
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
How To Know Which Cold And Allergy Meds Are Safe
Check with your healthcare provider first if you’re breastfeeding and plan to take medication. Avoid taking unnecessary medications, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins, and unusual supplements.
Also, ask your doctor about timing. For instance, taking the medication immediately after breastfeeding might help minimize your baby’s exposure. However, different drugs peak in breast milk at different times.
Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include:
Some medications to avoid while breastfeeding include:
- Antihistamines, like Benadryl, have negative effects on breastfeeding and should be avoided if possible. Medicines like this decrease milk supply if used at high doses and for long periods of time.
- Sudafed can decrease milk supply and should also be avoided if possible.
Continued
Recommended Reading: Can Food Allergies Cause Facial Flushing
Treats Inflammation And Swelling
Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation that is associated with allergies. These medications primarily treat and prevent nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and an itchy, runny nose caused by allergic reactions. They work quickly and limit the bodys histamine creation preventing the allergic response that leads to problematic symptoms like a stuffy nose or sore throat. Steroids can work well both for seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms.
Steroids are considered highly effective at relieving allergy symptoms, but they must be taken regularly, even when no symptoms are experienced, to work well. Like many allergy medication types, it can take several weeks before the full relief from the medicine is felt.
Systemic steroids are available as pills or liquids for serious allergies and asthma, but are also common as nasal sprays or inhalers. They can also be used as a topical cream for skin allergies to relieve hives and swelling. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays to help with year-round allergies. Corticosteroid medications can take longer to kick in than antihistamines, but most healthcare providers consider them to be the most effective way to combat nasal allergies. Many, but not all, of these steroid treatments require a prescription.
Cautions And Side Effects When Using Nasal Spray For Allergies
Side effects occur with almost any medication. Its important to review the potential effects and talk to your doctor before you start using a nasal spray for allergies. This can help ensure that the sprays wont interfere with medications youre already taking.
Examples of some side effects of each nasal spray type include:
- Steroids: nosebleeds and nasal perforations
- Antihistamines: drowsiness, dizziness, nosebleeds, and dry mouth
- burning, stinging, dryness, fast heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and rebound nasal congestion if used longer than a few days
- Anticholinergic: dry nose, nosebleeds, irritation, and headaches
- Mast cell: worsening congestion, sneezing, itching, nosebleeds, and burning sensations
The best treatments for allergies depend on your symptoms. If you commonly experience nasal symptoms, nasal sprays can directly address these symptoms.
However, if you have a lot of other symptoms, there are other allergy treatments. These include:
- Antihistamines: can help address eye itching and sneezing
- can help reduce mucus in the nose and airways
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists: can block chemicals called leukotrienes to reduce allergy symptoms overall
If oral medications or nasal sprays dont help treat your allergies, you may wish to talk to a doctor about immunotherapy. This involves either shots or drops to expose you to small amounts of allergens.
- itching eyes, nose, or face
- sneezing
Don’t Miss: Is Hemp Oil Good For Allergies
How Much Will My Allergy Medication Cost
Once youve found an allergy medication that fits your needs, youll ultimately want a good price for it. All of the medications listed in this article have brand-name and generic forms. Most are also available over-the-counter. Their cost will largely depend on whether you buy them over the counter or with a prescription. And as it turns out, visiting your provider and getting a prescription for a generic version can be well worth it.
Lets take Claritin as an example. Claritin costs about $33 retail. If you get a prescription for the generic form, loratadine, you might pay about $10 cash instead for the same amount. Thats over 50% savings. Now, if you use a GoodRx coupon with your prescription, that same amount of loratadine can cost as little as $4, saving you 87% off the brand-name, over-the-counter price.
