How to Administer Flonase

Flonase and its generic equivalent, Fluticasone Propionate, are nose sprays that provide relief for allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Flonase can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription from your doctor. Using Flonase is a simple and quick process. Before using Flonase for the first time, make sure to prime the bottle. Then just put the nozzle in your nostril and spray. Children above the age of 4 can also take Flonase with the help of an adult.

EditSteps

EditPriming the Medicine

1. Shake the bottle before removing the cap. A gentle, side-to-side shake is all that is needed. Once you have shaken the bottle, remove the green cap on top of the bottle.^[1]
   
2. Prime the spray when you first open it or after 7 days of no use. Priming the spray in the bottle helps ensure that the medicine flows freely. To prime the spray, push down on the pump several times until a light spray comes out of the bottle.^[2]
   
3. Clean the nozzle if it is clogged. If no spray comes out after priming, the nozzle may be clogged. Remove the nozzle by lifting it up from the bottle. Fill it with water from the tap and pour the water out. Let it dry on a paper towel before snapping it back onto the bottle. Try priming the bottle again.^[3]
   
   • If it still won’t release medicine, soak the nozzle in a cup of warm water for several minutes. Let it dry before putting it back onto the bottle.
   • Clean the nozzle at least once a week to ensure that it works properly. Always prime the bottle again after rinsing the nozzle.

EditTaking Flonase by Yourself

1. Blow your nose with a tissue. This gets rid of any mucus in your nose that might block the Flonase. Close 1 nostril with your finger while blowing out with the other nostril into the tissue. Repeat with the other side.^[4]
   
2. Insert the tip of the nozzle into 1 nostril. Aim the nozzle away from the center of your nose so that it is pointed outwards. Tip your head back and close the other nostril with your finger.^[5]
   
3. Breathe in slowly through your nostril as you spray the medicine. Press down on the nozzle once to release a spray. Afterwards, hold your breath for a second and breathe out through your mouth.^[6]
   
   • Do not blow your nose after using Flonase.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril. Put the tip in the other nostril, and close the first nostril with a finger. Breathe in as you release the medicine into your nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds before breathing out through your mouth.^[7]
   
5. Take up to 2 sprays in each nostril. Ask your doctor for the right dosage. Most adults take up to 2 sprays a day in each nostril. Some people may do both sprays at once while others do 1 spray in the morning and 1 spray at night.^[8]
   
   • Never take more than 2 sprays in each nostril a day.
   • Flonase comes in different size spray bottles. The dosage instructions may be different depending on the size of your bottle, so always check with your doctor about how much you should be taking every day.
6. Wipe off the tip before putting Flonase away. Use a tissue or paper towel to clean the tip of the nozzle. Replace the cap before putting it away in a dry, cool place, out of the reach of children and pets.^[9]
   
7. Use Flonase daily for up to 6 months. If your symptoms last longer than 6 months, talk to your doctor. They may switch you to a different medication.^[10]
   

EditGiving Flonase to a Child

1. Wipe your child’s nose. If your child is old enough, ask them to blow their nose into a tissue. Younger children may need you to wipe their nose for them.^[11]
   
2. Place the nozzle into 1 nostril. Point the nozzle slightly away from the center of their nose, pointing the nozzle slightly outwards. Use your finger to close their other nostril.^[12]
   
3. Ask your child to breathe in while you spray the nozzle. Tell the child to “sniff” in the medicine as you give it. Press down on the nozzle to release the spray into their nose.^[13]
   
   • You may want to warn your child ahead of time what the medicine will feel like. Tell them that they will feel the medicine go in their nose but that it won’t hurt them.
4. Repeat the process with the other nostril. Move the nozzle to their other nostril. Close the first nostril with your finger. Ask the child to sniff in again as you release another spray. Most children only need 1 spray in each nostril. Ask your child’s doctor for the right dosage.^[14]
   
5. Clean the tip when you are finished. Wipe the tip with a tissue or paper towel. Put the cap back on. Store Flonase in a dry, cool place, out of the reach of children and pets.^[15]
   
6. Visit the doctor after 2 months of use. Your child shouldn’t use Flonase for longer than 2 months at a time. If their symptoms continue, call their doctor. The doctor may switch their medication or perform a new examination.^[16]
   

EditWatching for Side Effects

1. Get emergency care if you get hives or another allergic reaction. Hives, rash, a swollen face or lips, difficulty breathing, and a light-headed sensation may be signs of a life-threatening allergy. If you notice these symptoms, call for help immediately.^[17]
   
2. Call your doctor if you have any pain or discharge around the nose. This includes a bloody nose, runny nose, crusty nostrils, or loud breathing. Tell your doctor when the symptoms began and how long they lasted for.^[18]
   
   • Other adverse reactions to Flonase include headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Call your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
3. Avoid taking new medications without your doctor's approval. Flonase may cause serious side effects if taken with certain medications. If your doctor wants to prescribe a new medication, tell them that you are taking Flonase.^[19]
   
   • For example, Flonase may interact with some antifungal drugs or antiviral medication for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
4. Monitor your child’s growth if they are taking Flonase. While rare, steroids, like Flonase, may stunt children’s growth. Keep an eye on your child’s growth while they are taking Flonase. If your child stops growing or if you have any concerns, talk to their doctor.^[20]
   
   • Generally, children shouldn't be using Flonase long enough for it to stunt their growth. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned that your child has been on Flonase for an extended period of time.

EditVideo

EditTips

• You can occasionally use a simple saline spray in place of Flonase to relieve any pain.

EditWarnings

• Do not take this medication more often than prescribed.
• If you're purchasing Flonase over the counter, make sure you're following up with your doctor after use so they can evaluate how it's working.
• The label of your Flonase will state how many sprays are contained within the bottle. Do not use Flonase for more than the stated number of sprays, as you may not get a full dose.
• Do not give Flonase or Children’s Flonase to children under the age of 4.

EditRelated wikiHows

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• Travel With Prescription Medications
• Change Anxiety Medications

EditSources and Citations

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