Rhinocort

Why is this drug prescribed?

Rhinocort is an anti-inflammatory steroid medication. It is prescribed for relief of the symptoms of hay fever and other nasal inflammations.

Most important fact about this drug

Because steroids can suppress the immune system, people taking Rhinocort may become more susceptible to infections, and their infections could be more severe. Anyone taking Rhinocort or other corticosteroids who has not had infections such as chickenpox and measles should avoid exposure to them. If you are taking Rhinocort and are exposed, tell your doctor immediately.

How should you take this medication?

Rhinocort is available as Rhinocort Nasal Inhaler and Rhinocort Aqua Spray.

Shake the Rhinocort Nasal Inhaler container well before using it. Do not use near an open flame.

Rhinocort Nasal Inhaler is to be used within 6 months after opening it. If you have not used it for 8 weeks, spray into the air 4 times before you use it again.

Before using Rhinocort Aqua Nasal Spray, shake the container well and prime the pump by spraying it 8 times. If used daily, the pump does not need to be reprimed. If not used for two consecutive days, reprime with one spray or until a fine mist appears. If not used for more than 14 days, rinse the applicator and reprime with two sprays or until a fine mist appears. Discard the bottle after 120 sprays, since the amount of drug in each spray will decline substantially after that point.

With the Rhinocort Nasal Inhaler, relief of symptoms may begin within 24 hours after the start of treatment. If symptoms are unchanged after 3 weeks, or if nasal irritation worsens, contact your doctor.

With Rhinocort Aqua Nasal Spray, relief may begin within 10 hours. Most improvement occurs during the first 1 or 2 days, but it may take as long as 2 weeks to achieve the maximum benefits. If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, or the condition grows worse, check with your doctor.

Do not use doses that are larger than recommended.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose 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. Never take two doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature with the valve up.

Do not store near an open flame or heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not store in areas of high humidity.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Rhinocort.

• More common side effects may include:
  Airway spasm, increased coughing, irritation of the nasal passages, nosebleeds, sore throat

• Less common side effects may include:
  Bad taste in mouth, dry mouth, facial swelling, hoarseness, indigestion, inflammation of the skin, itching, muscle and joint pain, nasal sores or pain, nausea, nervousness, rash, reduced sense of smell, shortness of breath, yeast infection of the vagina or mouth, wheezing

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you develop an infection of your nose and throat, stop using Rhinocort and call your doctor. If you already have tuberculosis or any other kind of infection, be sure your doctor knows about it.

Do not use Rhinocort if you have recently had nasal ulcers or nasal surgery; this drug would slow the healing process. You will also need to avoid Rhinocort if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about this medication

If you have been taking a steroid in tablet form, such as prednisone, and are switched to Rhinocort, you may have symptoms of withdrawal, such as joint or muscle pain, lethargy, and depression. If you have been taking another steroid for a long time for asthma, your asthma may get worse if your medication is cut back too quickly. Using Rhinocort with another steroid drug can decrease the body's normal ability to make its own steroid chemicals.

Use Rhinocort with caution in children and teenagers. The drug can affect their rate of growth.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Talk to your doctor before using Rhinocort if you already take prednisone or any other steroid medication.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

In large doses, Rhinocort has caused fetal harm in laboratory animals. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Rhinocort should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. The effect of Rhinocort on nursing infants is also unknown, although we do know that similar drugs have been found in breast milk. Your doctor may have you stop breastfeeding while you are taking this drug.

Recommended dosage

RHINOCORT NASAL INHALER

RHINOCORT AQUA

The recommended starting dose for adults and children over 12 is 64 micrograms per day administered as 1 spray per nostril once a day. The maximum recommended dose is 256 micrograms per day, administered as 4 sprays per nostril once a day.

Children

The recommended starting dose for children between 6 and 12 years of age is 64 micrograms per day administered as one spray per nostril once a day. The maximum recommended dose for children in this age group is 128 micrograms per day, administered as 2 sprays per nostril once a day. The safety and effectiveness of Rhinocort Aqua in children under 6 have not been established.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Rhinocort overdose stem from a condition called hypercorticism, when the body produces an excess of its own steroid chemicals.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Diabetes, excess hair growth, fatigue and weakness, fluid retention, impotence, lack of menstrual periods, skin discoloration