Benacort nasal spray (budesonide): a steroid nasal spray for hay fever

Everything you need to know about using Benacort

Woman suffering from hay fever
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What is Benacort nasal spray?

Benacort nasal spray is a steroid nasal spray that can be used to treat and prevent symptoms of hay fever, such as a blocked, runny or itchy nose and sneezing.

You can buy Benacort without a prescription from pharmacies. It's suitable for adults aged 18 years and over.

How does Benacort work?

Benacort nasal spray contains the active ingredient budesonide, which is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid (or steroid for short). It works by reducing allergic reactions and inflammation in the nasal passages.

The nasal spray can take three to four days to build up its effect, so it won't relieve hay fever symptoms straight away. Ideally you want to start using it just before the pollen season starts to help prevent your allergy from developing. However you can also use it to relieve hay fever symptoms that have already started.

Key facts about Benacort nasal spray

  • Benacort is a brand name for budesonide.
  • Benacort should not be used by children under 18 years of age.
  • Benacort won't relieve your hay fever straight away - you have to use it regularly for a few days for it to build up an effect.
  • Keep using it regularly every day to keep your hay fever under control. You can use Benacort for up to three months.
  • The most common side effects are nosebleeds and sneezing, stinging sensation or dryness in the nose after using the spray.
  • It's OK to drink alcohol while you're using Benacort.

    Who shouldn't use Benacort nasal spray?

    Benacort is not suitable for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

    Benacort nasal spray shouldn't be used by certain groups of people unless they have been seen by a doctor first. See your doctor before using Benacort if any of the following apply to you:

    • you have a nasal or sinus infection or a fever
    • you have problems with ulceration in your nose
    • you have recently had an injury or surgery to your nose
    • you have tuberculosis
    • you have a chest infection
    • you have a problem with your liver
    • you are pregnant.

      If you are pregnant and can't tolerate your hay fever symptoms your doctor may suggest using a corticosteroid nasal spray like Benacort, as only minimal amounts of the medicine pass into the bloodstream after using the nasal spray. But it needs to be prescribed by your doctor so that you can be monitored if required. Ask your doctor for further advice.

      It's fine to use Benacort if you're breastfeeding.

      How do I use Benacort nasal spray?

      It's most effective to start using Benacort a few days before you expect to get symptoms, for example before the start of the pollen season. Then keep using it regularly every day while you're still being exposed to the type of pollen that gives you hay fever.

      Adults aged 18 years and over can use Benacort once or twice a day:

      • If you prefer to use Benacort once a day, use two sprays into each nostril in the morning. Once your symptoms are under control you can reduce the dose to one spray in each nostril in the morning.
      • If you prefer to use Benacort twice a day, use one spray into each nostril in the morning and one spray into each nostril in the evening.
      • Do not use more than two sprays into each nostril in a day.



        Before you use the nasal spray for the first time it needs to be primed by pumping it into the air a few times until a fine mist is produced. Hold the bottle upright and away from you while you're doing this. If the nasal spray hasn't been used for more than a day you should reprime it by spraying it once into the air before using it again.

        Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your hay fever hasn't improved after 14 days of using Benacort.

        If your symptoms improve while using Benacort you can keep using it for as long are you are exposed to the allergen, but don't use it continuously for more than three months without seeing your doctor.

        What are the side effects of Benacort nasal spray?

        Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects known to be associated with Benacort. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.


        • Dryness in the nose.
        • Stinging sensation in the nose.
        • Sneezing.
        • Nosebleeds.


          • Perforation or ulceration of the nasal septum.
          • Hoarse voice.
          • Blurred vision. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision while using Benacort nasal spray.
          • Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face or tongue. Stop using Benacort and get medical advice if you think you've had an allergic reaction to it.

            If corticosteroid nasal sprays are used in high doses for long periods of time, they do have the potential to cause side effects similar to those associated with corticosteroids taken by mouth, such as cataracts, raised pressure in the eye or glaucoma, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression and mental health problems. However, these types of side effect are extremely unlikely to occur with this nasal spray, because the amount of budesonide absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose is very low. As a precaution, always use the lowest effective dose needed to control your symptoms, and for the shortest possible time.

            Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Benacort nasal spray. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

            Can I use Benacort nasal spray with other medicines?



            If you're having long-term treatment with any of the medicines listed below you should get advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using Benacort. These medicines may slow the breakdown of any budesonide that's absorbed into your bloodstream from your nose and so may increase the risk of getting side effects:

            • cobicistat or protease inhibitors such as ritonavir for HIV infection
            • the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole.

              It's fine to use Benacort nasal spray alongside antihistamine tablets or eye drops to treat your hay fever if you need to.

              It's also fine to take non-prescription painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol while you're using Benacort, assuming all these are appropriate for you.

              Last updated: 12.06.2018

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