What is the recommended treatment for allergic rhinitis using Flonase (fluticasone propionate)?

From the Guidelines

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is recommended for allergic rhinitis at a standard dose of 1-2 sprays in each nostril once daily, preferably at the same time each day. For adults and children 12 years and older, start with 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, which can be reduced to 1 spray per nostril once symptoms improve. Children 4-11 years old should use 1 spray in each nostril once daily. Before first use, prime the bottle by shaking well and pumping 6 times away from the face. Shake before each use, gently insert the tip into the nostril pointing slightly away from the septum, and breathe in gently while spraying. Maximum benefit typically occurs after 3-4 days of regular use, though some patients notice improvement within 12 hours. Flonase works by reducing inflammation in nasal passages, decreasing the release of substances that cause allergic reactions. It's most effective when used consistently, even when symptoms aren't present during allergy season. If symptoms don't improve after 7 days, consult a healthcare provider. Side effects may include nasal irritation, headache, and nosebleeds, which are usually mild and temporary.

Key Points:

• Flonase is an intranasal corticosteroid, which is the most effective medication class for controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis, as stated in the 2017 joint task force on practice parameters 1.
• The standard dose of Flonase is 1-2 sprays in each nostril once daily, with a maximum benefit typically occurring after 3-4 days of regular use 1.
• Flonase can be used in combination with an intranasal antihistamine for initial treatment of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis in persons aged 12 years or older, as recommended by the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters 1.
• The 2008 update of the Joint Task Force's rhinitis practice parameter recommended intranasal corticosteroids as the most effective medication class for controlling symptoms, with Flonase being a commonly used option 1.
• Flonase has a rapid onset of action, with some patients noticing improvement within 12 hours, and is most effective when used consistently, even when symptoms aren't present during allergy season 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP is an effective, allergy medicine that you can buy without a prescription. It works directly in the nose to help block your allergic reactions. Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP relieves allergy symptoms caused by pollen, mold, dust and pets. Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP works right in your nose to help block your allergic reaction at the source to relieve the symptoms that make you uncomfortable. Because of the way it works, it may take several days for Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP to reach maximum effect. That’s why it’s best to use Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP regularly, once a day

The recommended treatment for allergic rhinitis using Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is to use it regularly, once a day. It is essential to note that it may take several days for Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP to reach its maximum effect. Key points to consider:

• Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP is used to relieve allergy symptoms caused by pollen, mold, dust, and pets.
• It works by blocking the allergic reaction at the source in the nose.
• The spray should be used once a day for optimal results. 2

From the Research

Recommended Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis using Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate)

The recommended treatment for allergic rhinitis using Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is as follows:

• For adults and adolescents (aged 12 and above), the recommended dose is 200 micrograms once daily, as shown in studies 3, 4, 5.
• For children as young as 4 years, 100 micrograms of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray given once daily is as effective as 200 micrograms given once daily, the usual adult dose for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis 3.
• Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray is effective in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and as prophylaxis for perennial allergic rhinitis, relieving nasal congestion and itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing that occur in the early and late phases of allergic response 6.

Efficacy of Fluticasone Propionate

The efficacy of fluticasone propionate in treating allergic rhinitis has been demonstrated in several studies:

• Fluticasone propionate was shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching 3, 4, 7.
• Fluticasone propionate was also shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion and sinus pain and pressure 4, 5.
• The efficacy of fluticasone propionate was comparable to that of beclomethasone dipropionate, another intranasal corticosteroid, in treating perennial allergic rhinitis 4.

Safety of Fluticasone Propionate

The safety of fluticasone propionate has been evaluated in several studies:

• Fluticasone propionate was shown to be well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported 3, 6, 4, 5, 7.
• The incidence of adverse events was similar to that of placebo, with no significant differences between treatment groups 3, 4, 5.
• Fluticasone propionate did not appear to interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children or adults 3, 4, 7.