Flixonase nasule drops (fluticasone)

We explain everything you need to know about using these steroid nose drops

What are Flixonase nasule drops used for?

    Nasal polyps occur when the linings of the sinuses become inflamed and swollen. These inflamed linings push out into the nasal passages, forming growths called polyps. The polyps can block the nose, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. They may be caused by allergy or irritation.

    How do Flixonase nasule drops work?

    Flixonase nasule drops contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid).

    Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands that have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Fluticasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is adminstered directly into the nose to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages.

    Fluticasone is absorbed into the cells of the inflamed tissue forming the polyps. It works by stopping these cells from producing substances that cause the inflammation and swelling and this helps to shrink the polyps.

    It can take several weeks for these nose drops to shrink the polyps. It is important to keep using them regularly, as directed by your doctor. However, if you don't notice any improvement in your symptoms after four to six weeks of using the drops, you should consult your doctor.

    How do I use Flixonase nasule drops?

    • Flixonase nasule drops come in single-use containers. Your doctor will ask you to use one container either once a day or twice a day. You should split the contents of each container between your nostrils.
    • Gently blow your nose before using the nasule drops.
    • Before you open a container, flick or shake it several times, then shake downwards to make sure the liquid is not in the neck of the container. Hold the bottom of the container and twist the lid off.
    • Before you put the drops in you need to put your head in the right position. To do this, bend right over so that your head is hanging right down, either while standing, or kneeling if this is easier. Alternatively, you can can lie on your back on a bed, with your head tilted back over the edge of the bed.
    • Put the tip of the opened container into one nostril and gently squeeze until the sides of the container touch each other. This will administer half the dose in the container (about six drops) into that nostril. Remove it from the nostril and release the sides of the container, then repeat this step to put the rest of the drops in your other nostril.
    • Take care to avoid getting the drops in your eyes or on broken skin. If you accidentally do, rinse your eyes or skin with water immediately.
    • Stay with your head down (or head back or to one side if you are lying down) for at least one minute after putting the drops in.
    • If you forget to use a dose of your nasule drops just leave out the forgotten dose and use your next dose when it is due. Don't use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
    • You should use these nose drops every day for as long as your doctor has told you to.

      Who might need extra monitoring while using Flixonase nasule drops?

      • People who have recently had nasal surgery or an injury to the nose (this medicine should not be used until the nose has healed).
      • People with tuberculosis affecting the lungs.

        Who shouldn't use Flixonase nasule drops?

        • Children under 16 years of age.
        • People who are allergic to any of ingredients of the drops.

          Can I use Flixonase nasule drops while pregnant or breastfeeding?

          • Only if prescribed by your doctor. If you are or think you could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, make sure you tell your doctor before you start using these nose drops.
          • Small amounts of fluticasone may pass into your bloodstream after using the nose drops, so they should only be used during pregnancy if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the developing baby. Ask your doctor for more information.
          • Low levels of fluticasone may pass into breast milk after using these nose drops. They should only be used in mothers who are breastfeeding if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Ask your doctor for more information.

            What are the possible side effects of Flixonase nasule drops?

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

            Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)


              • Dryness and irritation of the nose and throat.

                Very rare (affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people)

                • Perforation of the nasal septum.
                • Cataracts, raised pressure in the eye or glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision while using Flixonase nasule drops.
                • Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face or tongue. Stop using the drops and get medical advice if you think you've had an allergic reaction to them.

                  If corticosteroid nasal drops 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 mental health problems, slowed growth in children and adolescents, and decreased functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce natural steroid hormones). However, these types of side effect are extremely unlikely to occur with these nose drops, because the amount of fluticasone absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose is very low. As a precaution, the lowest effective dose needed to control your symptoms should always be used, and for the shortest possible time.

                  If your child is prescribed Flixonase nasule drops for long periods of time your doctor may want to monitor their height to make sure their growth is not being affected. Your doctor can give you more advice about this.

                  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 Flixonase nasule drops. If you think you or your child have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

                  Can I use Flixonase nasule drops with other medicines?

                  Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're already using any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start using Flixonase as well.

                  This is particularly important if you are or have recently been using any other medicines that contain corticosteroids, for example tablets, injections, eye or nose drops, creams, asthma inhalers, or other similar nasal sprays. There may be a higher risk of side effects if you're using more than one type of steroid medication - you may need to be monitored by your doctor.

                  The following medicines may slow the breakdown of any fluticasone that is absorbed into your bloodstream from your nose and so may increase the risk of side effects on the rest of the body:

                  • cobicistat or protease inhibitors such as ritonavir for HIV infection (Flixonase nasule drops are not recommended for people who are taking ritonavir)
                  • telaprevir for hepatitis C
                  • the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. Make sure your doctor knows you're using Flixonase if you're prescribed one of these, because long courses of treatment with these antifungals should be avoided.

                  What other medicines contain fluticasone?

                    Fluticasone is also the active ingredient in Cutivate cream and ointment for eczema and Flixotide inhalers for asthma.

                    Last updated 22.03.2018

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