Nasocort (Triamcinolone Acetonide) Usage Instructions
For adults and children 12 years and older, use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. For children 6-11 years, use 1 spray in each nostril once daily. For children 2-5 years, use 1 spray in each nostril once daily. 1
Proper Administration Technique
Before First Use:
- Prime the bottle before first use by pumping several times until a fine mist appears
- Shake the bottle well before each use
Daily Administration Steps:
- Blow your nose to clear nasal passages
- Keep your head in an upright position
- Hold the spray in the opposite hand in relation to the nostril being treated (use right hand for left nostril and vice versa)
- Insert the tip into the nostril, pointing away from the nasal septum
- Breathe in gently while spraying
- Do not close the opposite nostril during administration
Important Considerations:
- If using nasal saline irrigations, perform them before using Nasocort
- Use regularly (not as-needed) to maintain symptom control
- Full therapeutic effect may take several days to develop
Age-Specific Dosing
- Adults and children ≥12 years: 2 sprays per nostril once daily
- Children 6-11 years: 1 spray per nostril once daily
- Children 2-5 years: 1 spray per nostril once daily 1
Common Side Effects
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
- Cough 1
Special Precautions
- For patients with physical limitations (arthritis, Parkinson's disease), special attention may be needed to ensure proper administration 1
- To minimize risk of epistaxis, direct spray away from the nasal septum 1
- For children, proper technique is particularly important and may require demonstration 1
Duration of Treatment
Nasocort is available over-the-counter and can be used daily for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Unlike decongestant nasal sprays that should only be used for short periods, Nasocort does not cause rebound congestion and can be used for longer periods as directed.
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to triamcinolone acetonide or any components of the formulation 1
Proper administration technique is crucial for maximizing efficacy and reducing side effects. The contralateral technique (using opposite hand for each nostril) has been shown to reduce the incidence of epistaxis by up to four times compared to ipsilateral technique 1.