GENERIC NAME: flunisolide nasal spray

BRAND NAME: Nasalide

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Flunisolide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Aerobid) or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally- occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses. When given as an intranasal spray, flunisolide reduces watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itching oat the back of the throat that are common allergic symptoms. Eye symptoms such as itching and tearing that may be associated with allergy sometimes also are relieved. A beneficial response usually is noted within a few days but can take as long as 4 weeks. Approximately 50% of flunisolide is absorbed into the blood.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Flunisolide nasal spray is available in a 25 ml bottle. The bottle contains about 200 sprays. Each actuation delivers about 25 µg of flunisolide.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Protect from heat, and direct light.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Flunisolide nasal spray is used for relieving symptoms associated with seasonal or perennial rhinitis due to allergies. (Rhinitis is an inflammation of the soft, wet tissue lining the inside of the nose.)

DOSING: The canister should be shaken before each use. In adults, the usual starting dose is two sprays in each nostril twice daily. The physician may increase the dose to three times per day. In children ages 6-14 years, the usual starting dose is one spray in each nostril three times per day or two sprays in each nostril twice daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described with nasal flunisolide

PREGNANCY: Well-controlled studies on the use of flunisolide during pregnancy have not been done. Studies in animals have shown flunisolide to have damaging effects on the fetus. During pregnancy flunisolide should be avoided unless the physician feels that the potential therapeutic benefit justifies the added risk to the fetus.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is unknown whether flunisolide accumulates in breast milk; however, it is known that other corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. The effects on the child, if any, are unknown.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects following nasal inhalation of flunisolide are nasal irritation and itching, increased cough, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal burning, bloody nasal discharge, and nasal dryness. Other adverse effects reported with intranasal flunisolide include headache, dizziness, watery eyes, and abdominal bloating. All of these effects are either mild or uncommon.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information