How Long Does Flonase Take to Work?
Key takeaways:
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is an over-the-counter corticosteroid (“steroid”) nasal spray. It’s a first-choice option for treating allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.
Flonase may begin working within 2 to 4 hours of your first dose. But it may take up to 2 weeks of regular use to experience full, consistent effects.
There are faster-acting Flonase alternatives available to help quickly relieve allergy symptoms. You can also combine Flonase with other types of allergy medication to manage symptoms until Flonase is fully working.
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Table of contents
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Flonase is a nasal corticosteroid (“steroid”) and is often a first-choice medication for allergy prevention. It helps to reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses, easing nasal allergy symptoms.
If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, you likely want to get relief as quickly as possible. And if you’re wondering how long Flonase takes to work, you’re not alone. Below, you’ll find details about how long it takes Flonase to start working and what to expect when it does.
How long does Flonase take to work?
Flonase may start working to treat allergies about 2 to 4 hours after your first dose. But you’ll likely still have symptoms until it’s working consistently (as discussed below). However, Flonase is one of the most effective allergy medications available. So even though it takes longer to work than some other options, it’ll likely work better than many other medications in the long run.
Of the faster-acting alternatives for allergy relief, antihistamines are a popular choice. Some oral antihistamines, such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), may start working within 1 hour of taking them. Nasal antihistamine sprays, such as Astepro (azelastine), work even faster (usually within 15 minutes).
Nasal decongestant sprays, like Afrin (oxymetazoline), offer the quickest relief from a stuffy nose. They typically start working in 5 to 10 minutes. But they don’t treat other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or watery eyes. And they carry a risk of rebound (worsening) congestion if you use them for more than 3 days in a row.
Good to know: Flonase is also recommended for treating sinus infections. But it takes much longer to start working for these symptoms than it does for allergies. Studies suggest it takes an average of 6 days for people to notice significant improvement in sinus infection symptoms.
How long does it take to see the full effects of Flonase?
It may take a few days to 2 weeks of daily use to feel the full effects of Flonase. For this reason, experts recommend starting treatment with Flonase at least 2 weeks before allergy season starts. This can help prevent allergies from causing noticeable symptoms.
Are there factors that can affect how long Flonase takes to work?
There really isn’t anything you can do to make Flonase work faster. But you can safely combine Flonase with other, faster-acting allergy medications to get symptom relief while you’re waiting for it to work.
For the fastest symptom relief, consider combining Flonase with an antihistamine nasal spray, such as Astepro. Some studies have found that this combination may provide relief in as little as 5 minutes. And evidence suggests that using the medication together is more effective than using either by itself.
What to expect when starting Flonase treatment
Flonase is generally well tolerated. Many people use it without problems. But there are potential side effects to be aware of.
Common, typically mild Flonase side effects include:
Headaches
Sore throat
Nosebleeds
Nasal stinging or sneezing shortly after use
Nausea
Finding the right dosage: Flonase has a standard recommended dosage for adults, while the dosages for children are typically lower.
Flonase for allergy symptoms: Real people share their experiences with Flonase, including what happens if they forget to take a dose.
Possible side effects: Read what pharmacists say about Flonase side effects — from headaches to nosebleeds — and how to manage them.
Rare but potentially serious Flonase side effects include:
Ulcers of the nasal passages
Worsening asthma symptoms
Fungal infection of the mouth or throat (oral thrush)
Worsening glaucoma or cataracts
Stunted growth in children when used for more than 2 months
Mild Flonase side effects can typically be managed at home. But if you have side effects that are bothersome, contact your healthcare professional for next steps. Your healthcare professional can also let you know if you are at a greater risk for serious side effects.
How long do you need to take Flonase?
Flonase works best if you use it once a day every day. It’s typically recommended to continue using it until allergy season is over. For some people, this means using Flonase from early spring until late fall. People who have allergies happen year-round may need to use Flonase on a chronic basis.
Using Flonase for longer than 6 months a year (or longer than 2 months for children ages 2 to 11) can put you at a higher risk of serious side effects. If you feel like you need to use Flonase longer than this, reach out to your primary care provider. They may want to evaluate your symptoms or have you see an allergist for more specialized care.
The bottom line
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) may start working for allergies 2 to 4 hours after your first dose. But it can take up to 2 weeks for it to be fully effective. Combining Flonase with faster-acting allergy medications, such as Astepro (azelastine), may provide you relief faster. It can also help manage allergy symptoms until Flonase is providing consistent relief.
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References
Dykewicz, M. S., et al. (2020). Rhinitis 2020: A practice parameter update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Haleon US Holdings LLC. (2024). Flonase Allergy Relief - fluticasone propionate spray, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
Meltzer, E. O., et al. (2001). Onset of therapeutic effect of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Scadding G. K., et al. (2017). BSACI guideline for the diagnosis and management of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (Revised edition 2017; First edition 2007). Clinical and Experimental Allergy.
Seidman M. D., et al. (2015). Clinical practice guideline. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Trestioreanu, A. Z., et al. (2013). Intranasal steroids for acute sinusitis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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