Generic Fluticasone (Flonase) Nasal Spray Dosage and Usage
For adults with allergic rhinitis, generic fluticasone nasal spray should be used at a dosage of 2 sprays (50 mcg each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose 200 mcg), or the same dose divided into 100 mcg twice daily. 1
Adult Dosing
- The recommended starting dosage for adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose of 200 mcg) 1
- The same total dosage can be divided into twice daily administration (morning and evening) 1
- After the first few days, some adults may be able to reduce their dosage to 1 spray in each nostril once daily (100 mcg total) for maintenance therapy 1
- Some adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis may find as-needed use of 200 mcg once daily effective for symptom control, though greater symptom control is generally achieved with scheduled regular use 1
Pediatric Dosing
- For adolescents and children 4 years and older: Start with 1 spray in each nostril once daily (100 mcg total) 1
- For children not adequately responding to 100 mcg, the dose may be increased to 2 sprays in each nostril once daily (200 mcg total) 1
- Once adequate control is achieved in children, the dosage should be decreased to 1 spray in each nostril daily (100 mcg total) 1
- The maximum total daily dosage should not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril (200 mcg/day) for children 1
- Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is not recommended for children under 4 years of age 1
Administration Guidelines
- Patients should use fluticasone propionate nasal spray at regular intervals for optimal effect 1
- Proper administration technique includes:
- Priming the bottle before first use
- Shaking the bottle prior to spraying
- Blowing the nose prior to using the spray
- Keeping the head in an upright position during administration
- Breathing in gently during spraying 2
Common Side Effects
- Headache, pharyngitis, epistaxis (nose bleeds), nasal burning or irritation 3
- Nausea or vomiting, asthma symptoms, and cough may also occur 3
- Local side effects such as nasal irritation and bleeding are rare and can be minimized with proper administration technique 2
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate or its components 3
Clinical Efficacy
- Fluticasone propionate is effective for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis 3
- Symptom improvement is typically evident within 3 days of treatment 4
- Once-daily dosing has been shown to be as effective as twice-daily dosing for perennial allergic rhinitis 5
- In children as young as 4 years, 100 mcg once daily has been shown to be as effective as 200 mcg once daily 6
Important Considerations
- Illustrated patient instructions for proper use should accompany each package of fluticasone propionate nasal spray 1
- Onset of action may be delayed (12 hours) with maximal efficacy reached in days to weeks 2
- Regular use rather than as-needed approach is generally recommended to maintain optimal symptom control 2
Remember that proper technique is essential for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects of intranasal corticosteroids.