Why is it prescribed?
Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray contains budesonide.
Budesonide is indicated for the prevention, and reduction of severity of asthma symptoms that are responsive to orally inhaled corticosteroids. It is also used intranasally to relieve nasal congestion in the treatment of seasonal and perennial rhinitis (runny nose) where inflammation of the lining of the nose causes it to run. Budesonide nasal preparations are also used in the treatment of nasal polyps and prevention of nasal polyps after surgical removal.
Side Effects
Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray contains budesonide.
Along with its needed effects, budesonide may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, budesonide is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, route of administration and individual response. Possible unwanted effects include:
- irritation and burning in the nose (nasal spray only)
- dry mouth, hoarsness, and loss of voice (oral inhalation only)
- localized infection of Candida Albicans (thrush) of the mouth and throat
Less common:
- sore throat
- cough
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
Rare:
- immediate or delayed allergic reaction (e.g. rash, hives, and bronchospasm)
- flushing, itchiness, and swelling of the eyes, face, lips and throat
Precautions and Warnings for Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray
Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray contains budesonide
Never use a higher dose than what you have been prescribed. Using higher than recommended doses will cause greater absorption by the body and possibly lead to greater occurrence of unwanted effects. Optimal relief of symptoms may require 1 to 2 weeks of continuous therapy of the inhaler or 2 to 3 days (in rare cases up to 2 weeks) of continuous therapy of the nasal spray.
If symptoms do not improve or the condition worsens, the doctor should be contacted.
Treatment with beclomethasone should never be stopped without first consulting your doctor.
Discontinuation of budesonide requires gradual tapering or you may experience a flare-up of your condition.
Inadequate response can often be a result of improper use of the delivery device. Your doctor or pharmacist should instruct you on the correct use of these preparations. Each product comes with a package insert that should be read and then kept as a reference.
Children using any of these preparations should do so under the direct supervision of an adult who is familiar with it's proper use.
People who are using or who have used budesonide or any other corticosteroids should inform their doctor as this may vary the treatment plan.
When people have been treated with oral corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) for prolonged periods and are being transferred to intranasally or orally inhaled budesonide, they may experience withdrawal symptoms (e.g. joint and/or muscular pain, depression). These symptoms should be reported to your doctor, especially if you have associated asthma or another condition in which too rapid a decrease in systemic steroids may cause a severe flare-up of symptoms. Budesonide may mask some signs of infection and new infections may appear. The body tends to have a decreased resistance to localized infections while on this therapy, so anything of this nature should be reported to the doctor. Drug Interactions: Due to very low absorption at therapeutic doses it is unlikely that there would be any significant drug interactions. However, it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Use is not recommended in the following situations: - allergy to beclomethasone dipropionate or any component of the preparation
- people with tuberculosis
- untreated fungal, bacterial and viral infections
- children under 6 years of age
Caution recommended in the following situations: - people previously treated for prolonged periods with oral corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
Use in pregnancy: If you suspect that you might be pregnant, consult your doctor. Use while breast-feeding: It is not known whether budesonide is passed into breast milk, but it is suspected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breastfeeding.
Patient Information
Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray is intended for nasal inhalation only. Your doctor or pharmacist should have instructed you on the proper use and care of your Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray. The very first time the spray is used, prime (load) the pump as instructed until a fine spray appears. It is now ready for use.
It is not meant to give you instant relief of your nasal congestion but to correct the underlying problem responsible for your symptoms. Check with the doctor if you notice signs of infection in your nose, throat or sinus or if repeated unusual bleeding occurs.
Remember to shake the bottle before each use.
Your Rhinocort® aqua nasal spray should be stored at room temperature (15 to 30 degrees centigrade).
Directions for Use
Rhinitis: The usual starting dose for adults and children over 6 years old is 2 sprays into each nostril once daily in the morning or 1 spray into each nostril morning and evening). The maintenance dose is the lowest effective dose.
Nasal polyps: 1 spray into each nostril, morning and evening.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
- allergic rhinitis
- asthma
- hay fever
- nasal polyps
- perennial rhinitis
- rhinitis
- runny nose
- seasonal rhinitis
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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