Flunisolide
Basics, Side Effects, Reviews & More
Flunisolide is a steroid (or corticosteroid) medication used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
COMMON BRANDS
Nasalide (brand no longer available)
DRUG CLASS
Corticosteroid
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CLASSIFICATION
Not a controlled medication
GENERIC STATUS
Lower-cost generic available
AVAILABILITY
Prescription only
What is flunisolide?
How flunisolide works
Flunisolide is a nasal steroid that works directly in your nose to help reduce swelling and inflammation caused by allergies.
What is flunisolide used for?
- Seasonal nasal allergies
- Year-round nasal allergies
Flunisolide dosage forms
Typical dosing for flunisolide
The typical dose for flunisolide is 2 sprays (50 mcg) in each nostril twice daily (total dose 200 mcg/day).
Frequently asked questions about flunisolide
Is flunisolide the same as Flonase?
No, both are nasal corticosteroids but they are different medications. Flonase (and Veramyst) are brand names for fluticasone nasal spray. flunisolide is the generic name.
Does flunisolide cause weight gain?
Does flunisolide lower your immune system?
How often can you use flunisolide?
What if flunisolide goes down the throat?
Pros and cons of flunisolide
Pros
Effectively treats seasonal and other allergy symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing
Since it's used directly in the nose, flunisolide has fewer side effects and complications than oral steroids
Can be used in children 6 years old and older
Available in a cheaper, generic form
Doesn't make you drowsy or dizzy, compared to allergy relief pills
Cons
Needs to be used at regular intervals to provide the best benefit
Only used for the nose and may not improve other allergic symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes
Can be more expensive than similar over-the-counter (OTC) medications because it is only available as a prescription medication
Cannot be used in people who have active infections that involves the nose
Can cause mild nasal burning or stinging side effect, thought it usually doesn't last very long
Long-term use in children can stunt growth
Pharmacist tips for flunisolide
For best results, spray flunisolide into the air (prime it) before the first use and if it hasn't been used for 5 days.
Use flunisolide daily during the recommended times because it can take up to 2 weeks of regular use for your nose to fully clear.
If your symptoms don't improve after 3 weeks, stop using this medication and talk to your doctor.
Blow your nose gently before using. Insert the nozzle tip in one nostril and close the other with your finger. Tilt your head forward slightly and press the spray toward the back of the head. Repeat steps for the other nostril.
Avoid spraying flunisolide in your eyes or against the wall joining the nostrils, since this can cause unwanted irritation.
Prices for flunisolide start at just $26.24 with a GoodRx coupon. They’re fast, easy-to-use and free!
What are the side effects of flunisolide?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common side effects
- Nasal burning and stinging (45%)
Other side effects
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: Less common or rare Bad smell blindness bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds blurred or gradual loss of vision burning or stinging after use of spray or irritation inside nose (continuing) crusting, white patches, or sores inside nose discharge or redness in eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid headache light-headedness or dizziness loss of sense of taste or smell nausea or vomiting ringing in the ears shortness of breath skin rash sore throat, cough, or hoarseness stomach pains stuffy, dry, or runny nose or watery eyes (continuing) swelling of eyelids, face, or lips tightness in chest troubled breathing unusual tiredness or weakness white patches in throat Symptoms of overdose blurred vision bone fractures excess hair growth in females fullness or rounding of the face, neck, and trunk impotence in males increased urination or thirst lack of menstrual periods menstrual changes muscle wasting and weakness Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: More common Burning, dryness, or other irritation inside the nose (mild, lasting only a short time) irritation of throat Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. All of the nasal corticosteroids are very similar, so any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What are the risks and warnings for flunisolide?
Flunisolide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options
INFECTION IN THE NOSE AND THROAT
- Risk factors: Long-term use beyond 3 weeks
Use of flunisolide for months can raise your chance of getting thrush, a fungal infection, in the nose and throat. If you notice pain in the nose and throat with redness and white patches, stop using the medication and talk to your doctor.
HIGHER RISK OF NOSEBLEEDS AND SORES IN THE NOSE
- Risk factors: Long-term use | Nasal surgery | Injury to the nose | Ulcers in the nose
Rarely, using flunisolide for months can cause sores to develop in the nose, which can make holes in the bony cartilage between your nostrils (the nasal septum). Talk to your doctor if you experience painful discomfort in your nose, have regular nosebleeds, or painful sores in your nose while you use flunisolide.
WEAKER IMMUNE SYSTEM
- Risk factors: Not current with vaccinations | Taking other steroid medicines
Using drugs like flunisolide for a long time may weaken your immmune system, which makes you have higher risk for infections. Talk to your doctor before taking flunisolide if you have not been vaccinated for serious diseases like chickenpox and measles. If you currently have an infection, ask your doctor if you should continue taking flunisolide since the medication might make you heal more slowly.
POOR GROWTH IN CHILDREN
- Risk factors: Children | Higher doses of flunisolide | Long-term use
Steroid medications like flunisolide can affect growth rate of children. If your child needs to take flunisolide, the pediatrician will prescribe the lowest possible dose to control symptoms and monitor their height and weight.
Interactions between flunisolide and other medications
Flunisolide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with flunisolide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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How much does flunisolide cost?
Flunisolide is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
flunisolide (generic)
$26.24
Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions: 1 nasal sprays (25ml) of flunisolide 0.025%
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