Is There a Best Allergy Medicine for Seniors? Safe Medications and Which Ones to Avoid
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Nasacort Allergy
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Congestion
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Congestion
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a nasal spray for adults and children 2 years of age and older that helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and typically lasts for 24 hours. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) doesn't have many side effects, but you might have a temporary sore throat or cough after you use it. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is available over the counter as a brand-name and generic medication.
What is Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)?
What is Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) used for?
- Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)
How Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) works
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a corticosteroid (or steroid). When you come into contact with anything that causes allergies (such as the outdoors or animals), your immune system overreacts to try to get rid of the irritants from your body. This causes inflammation in your nose, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion and itchy nose. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) works by lowering inflammation in your nose. This helps relieve nasal allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Nasacort |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Corticosteroid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) essentials
Side effects of Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Adults and children 12 years or older:
- Sore throat (5%)
- Nose bleed (3%)
- Cough (2%)
Children ages 4 to 12 years:
- Flu-like symptoms (9%)
- Cough (8%)
- Sore throat (8%)
- Bronchitis (3%)
- Indigestion (3%)
- Tooth problems (3%)
Children ages 2 to 5 years:
- Headache (6%)
- Sore throat (6%)
- Nose bleed (5%)
- Common cold symptoms (5%)
- Stomach pain (5%)
- Diarrhea (3%)
- Asthma (3%)
- Rash (3%)
- Skin picking problem (3%)
- Runny nose (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Nasal discomfort and congestion
- Sneezing
- Changes in taste and smell
- Nausea
- Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives); shortness of breath; chest tightness; swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
The following Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Body aches or pain
chills
congestion
dryness or soreness of the throat
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
hoarseness
increased cough
joint pain
loss of appetite
muscle aches and pains
shivering
sweating
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble sleeping
trouble with swallowing
unexplained nosebleeds
unusual tiredness or weakness
voice changes
vomiting
Less common
Cough producing mucus
difficulty with breathing
noisy breathing
shortness of breath
tightness in the chest
Incidence not known
Blindness
bloody mucus
blurred vision
changes in vision
darkening of the skin
decreased vision
fainting
fast heartbeat
irritation
joint stiffness or swelling
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
mental depression
painful or difficult urination
rash
redness of the skin
slowing of normal growth in children
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tearing
trouble healing
white patches in the throat
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:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
indigestion
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
tooth problems
upper abdominal or stomach pain
Incidence not known
Change in sense of smell or taste
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$22.06
GoodRx discount
$11.19
Pros and cons of Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
Pros
- Available as a generic, over-the-counter product
- Used once daily and can last up to 24 hours
- Not likely to make you sleepy
- Small, portable spray that's easy to carry and use anywhere
Cons
- Might take up to 1 week for some symptoms to get better
- Might not be a good option if you have an injured nose or recently had nasal surgery
- Might slow down the growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
- Not meant to be used to relieve common cold symptoms
Pharmacist tips for Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
- Tell your healthcare provider before using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) if you're taking other corticosteroids for other medical conditions, such as asthma, allergies, or skin rash. Your provider can make sure that taking more than one corticosteroid medication at the same time is safe for you.
- Before using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide), it's important to review the directions on how to use the Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) nasal spray properly. Check the package instructions and follow their steps.
- You'll need to "prime" each new spray bottle before you first use it and if you haven't used an opened bottle for more than 2 weeks. Priming makes sure you get your full dose of medication with a new bottle (or if you haven't used it in awhile). To prime your spray bottle, shake it well, and press and release the spray nozzle until you see a fine mist.
- Shake your Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) spray bottle well before each use. Place the spray nozzle straight into the nose to aim it towards the back of your nose. Avoid pointing it towards the wall between the two nostrils (nasal septum).
- Sniff gently while you spray Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) into each nostril. Watch children under the age of 12 closely to make sure they're using the nasal spray properly.
- Try to avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). This prevents you from losing any of your dose.
- If the pump on your Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) bottle isn't spraying properly, the spray nozzle might be blocked. You shouldn't unblock the nozzle with a pin or any other object. Instead, pull the nozzle apart from the bottle and rinse it with warm water to help unblock it. Once it's reattached to the bottle, test the spray nozzle by pressing and releasing it until you see a fine mist.
- Only spray Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) into your nose. Don't spray the medication into any other parts of your body, such as the eyes or mouth, as this can be harmful. If it accidentally gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
- It's important that you don't share your Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) spray bottle with anyone else because this can spread germs and lead to infections.
- If your allergy symptoms don't get better after using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) for 1 week, stop using the medication and talk to your healthcare provider. They can check to see if there's another problem going on.
Risks and warnings for Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) 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.
Nasal problems
- Risk factors: Recent nose ulcer, surgery, or injury
If you've recently had a nose ulcer, nose surgery, or a nose injury and it hasn't fully healed yet, let your healthcare provider know before starting Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). The medication gets sprayed directly into the nose, so it can cause irritation or affect wound healing. Your provider might recommend to wait until your nose is completely healed before you use Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). Though rare, using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) directly in the nose might also cause nasal septum perforation (a hole that forms in the tissue of your nose separating the two nostrils). Let your healthcare provider know if you hear a whistling sound from your nose when you breathe, as it can be a sign of this problem. In addition, if you have severe or frequent nosebleeds, stop using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and let your provider know.
Eye problems
- Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts
If you have an eye infection, glaucoma, or cataracts, talk to your healthcare provider before starting Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). This medication can cause or worsen these eye conditions. Let your provider know right away if you notice any changes in your vision.
Higher risk of infections
- Risk factors: Not current on vaccinations | Taking medications that weaken the immune system | Long-term use of Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) can lower your body’s ability to fight off infections and potentially worsen any infections you already have. Be careful not to come in contact with anyone who has chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB); and tell your healthcare provider if you do. Talk to your provider before using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) if you currently have a respiratory tract infection; any fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or active or inactive TB. Call your provider right away if you develop a new infection with a fever that doesn't go away while you're using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide).
Using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) for several months or longer can also raise your risk of getting a fungal infection in the nose or throat. Let your provider know if you notice pain or soreness in the nose or throat while you're using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). Your provider can check to see if you have a fungal infection in the nose or throat and recommend appropriate treatment.
Slowed growth rate in children
- Risk factors: Children under age 12 | Using Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) longer than 2 months
Steroids like Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) can cause slowed growth and development in some children, especially in those who need to use the nasal spray for longer than 2 months per year. To prevent slowed growth, make sure your child uses the lowest dose possible to relieve their allergy symptoms. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to their healthcare provider about other treatment options.
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) dosage
The average cost for 1 nasal spray of 120 sprays of Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is $11.19 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 49.27% off the average retail price of $22.06. 
Nasal spray
Nasal spray| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 sprays | 1 nasal spray | $11.19 | $11.19 |
| 60 sprays | 1 nasal spray | $11.19 | $11.19 |
Typical dosage for Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
Each spray contains 55 mcg of triamcinolone.
- Adults and children 12 years or older: The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Once allergy symptoms improve, you can lower your dose to 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
- Children ages 6 to 11 years: The typical dose is 1 spray in each nostril once daily. If allergy symptoms don't improve, your child can use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily until their allergies get better. Then, return to the typical dose of 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
- Children ages 2 to 5 years: The typical dose is 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
- Children younger than 2 years of age: Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) isn't recommended for this age group. Discuss other allergy medications with your child's healthcare provider.
More on Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) dosage
Interactions between Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and other drugs
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) 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 Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). 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. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Desmopressin
- Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aldesleukin
- Balofloxacin
- Bemiparin
- Besifloxacin
- Ceritinib
- Ciprofloxacin
- Enoxacin
- Fleroxacin
- Flumequine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
- Macimorelin
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Nadroparin
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Prulifloxacin
- Ritonavir
- Rufloxacin
- Sargramostim
- Sparfloxacin
- Tosufloxacin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alcuronium
- Aspirin
- Atracurium
- Auranofin
- Fosphenytoin
- Gallamine
- Hexafluorenium
- Licorice
- Metocurine
- Phenytoin
- Primidone
- Saiboku-To
How much does Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Nasacort Allergy (brand)
$11.19
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Children under age 2
What are alternatives to Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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