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Nasacort |
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What is Nasacort and why is it prescribed? Nasacort is a metered-dose inhaler containing the anti-inflammatory steroid medication, triamcinolone acetonide; Nasacort AQ is a metered-dose pump spray. Nasacort and Nasacort AQ are prescribed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other nasal allergies. Nasacort is also used in the treatment of nasal polyps (projecting masses of tissue in the nose). Nasacort does not provide rapid relief in an asthma attack. Instead, it reduces the frequency and severity of attacks when taken on a regular basis. For quick relief, you must still use airway-opening medications. How should you take Nasacort? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nasacort. Take Nasacort on a regular daily basis, exactly as prescribed. You should begin to see improvement after a week, although it may take 2 weeks or more to achieve the greatest benefit. Nasacort AQ should begin to produce results on the first day, but will take a week to yield maximum benefit. Shake the canister or bottle before each use. The Nasacort inhaler must be primed with 2 activations whenever it has been unused for more than 3 days. Do not use an Nasacort inhaler more than 240 times. Discard the Nasacort canister after 100 inhalations and the Nasacort AQ bottle after 120 actuations. If the drug irritates your throat, gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose can help to relieve the problem. If you are using a bronchodilator inhalant, it should be used before the Nasacort inhalant to derive the best effects from this drug. Use of the two inhalers should be separated by several minutes. Do not spray Nasacort directly onto the bone that separates the nostrils. Avoid spraying either medication in your eyes. Illustrated instructions for use are available with the product. If you miss a dose use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Nasacort at room temperature. Since the contents of the aerosol inhalant are under pressure, do not puncture the container and do not use or store the medication near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees F. may cause the container to explode. Are there any Nasacort side effects? Nasacort side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common side effects of Nasacort may include headache. Less common side effects of Nasacort may include dryness of the membranes lining the nose, mouth, and throat, nasal irritation, nasal and sinus congestion, nosebleeds, sneezing, and throat discomfort. Side effects of Nasacort in children aged 6 to 11 may include cough, ear inflammation, fever, indigestion, nausea, nosebleed, and throat discomfort. Side effects of Nasacort AQ may include headache, nosebleed, and stuffy nose. Side effects of Nasacort AQ in children aged 6 to 11 may include asthma, headache, infection, earache, sinus problems, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nasacort? If Nasacort is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Inhaled steroids such as Nasacort and Nasacort AQ are not recommended for long-term use while you are taking prednisone (Deltasone). Are there any special warnings about Nasacort? Your doctor will see that your asthma is reasonably under control before starting you on Nasacort. For about a week, he or she will have you take Nasacort along with your usual dose of oral steroid. After that, you will gradually take less and less of the oral drug. If you develop joint or muscular pain, weariness, and depression, contact your doctor immediately. If you feel light-headed or find that you are losing weight, also tell your doctor. If you are using Nasacort and your airway-opening medication is not effective during an asthma attack, contact your doctor immediately. Also get medical help immediately if your wheezing gets worse after a dose of Nasacort. The use of triamcinolone acetonide may cause a yeast-like fungal infection in the nose and throat. If you suspect a fungal infection, notify your doctor. Treatment with antifungal medication may be necessary. People using steroid medications such as these are more susceptible to infection. Chickenpox and measles, for example, can be far more serious for children and for adults who have not had them. Try to avoid exposure, but if you are exposed, inform your doctor. Medication may be needed. Switching from steroid tablet therapy to Nasacort Inhaler may allow allergic conditions to surface that were previously controlled by the tablets. These include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and eczema. If your child is using any of these medications, your doctor will watch to be sure he or she is growing properly. If you have just had an operation, or if you are experiencing extreme stress, your doctor will watch you closely. Use these medications with extreme caution if you have tuberculosis, an untreated infection, or a herpes infection of the eye. If your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks, or if they get worse, contact your doctor. If you are using Nasacort or Nasacort AQ, also notify your doctor if you develop nosebleeds or notice nasal irritation, burning, or stinging after using the medication. Use Nasacort or Nasacort AQ with caution if you have not fully healed from nasal ulcers, or an injury to your nose. Steroids can slow wound healing, and there have been rare cases of perforation inside the nose caused by inhaled steroids. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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