Dosage
Fluticasone comes as a 0.05% nasal spray, a 27.5 microgram nasal spray, or 400 microgram (1mg in 1ml) nasal drops.
You'll usually use the nasal spray once or twice a day.
The usual dose of fluticasone drops is 6 drops in each nostril, once or twice a day. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
Changes to your dose
Once your symptoms are under control, you'll be able to use your nasal spray less often. For example, you might go from using 2 sprays twice a day, to 1 spray once a day.
If you bought a fluticasone nasal spray from a pharmacy, stop using it when you think you no longer need it. Ask a pharmacist for advice if you're not sure when to stop. Do not use it continuously for more than 1 month without speaking to a doctor.
If your symptoms get worse after reducing your dose, you may want to increase it again.
If you get fluticasone nasal spray or nasal drops on prescription, your doctor will tell you how often to use it and when to change your dose.
How to use the spray
Fluticasone nasal spray needs to be used regularly for it to work.
You'll usually use the spray once or twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). The usual dose is 1 or 2 sprays into each nostril.
Follow the instructions that come with your nasal spray. Do not use more than the maximum number of sprays in 24 hours.
If you're using a new bottle, it may not work the first time. Pump the spray a few times until a fine mist comes out. You'll also need to do this if you have not used the bottle for a few days.
Remove the cap and gently shake the bottle.
- Blow your nose gently, then close 1 nostril with your finger.
- Bend your head forward slightly and carefully put the nozzle into your other nostril, keeping the bottle upright.
- Slowly breathe in through your nose and with your fingers press down on the widest part of the nozzle to squirt the spray once into your nostril.
- Breathe out through your mouth.
- Follow steps 3 and 4 again to squirt a second spray (if you need it) into the same nostril.
Repeat the process with the other nostril if you need it.
After using the spray, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap.
How to use the drops
Fluticasone drops come in small plastic containers called nasules. Each nasule contains enough for one dose. You can use 1 or 2 doses a day (once in the morning and once at night). The usual dose is 6 drops into each nostril.
Follow the instructions that come with your nasal drops.
Pull off 1 plastic container from the strip of nasules. Flick the container with your finger and then shake it several times to mix the medicine well.
Hold the bottom of the container firmly. Twist and remove the top to open it. Do not open the container until you're ready to use it.
- Blow your nose gently.
- Follow the instructions and pictures in the manufacturer's leaflet to get your head into the right position.
- Carefully put the container into 1 nostril and gently squeeze.
- Keep squeezing until the sides of the container touch each other, then release. This will mean that you've had about half of the dose (about 6 drops).
- Follow steps 3 and 4 again to use the rest of the drops in your other nostril.
- Stay with your head down for at least 1 minute after putting the drops in.
If these positions are difficult you can lie on a bed with your head tilted over the edge. After you have put the drops in, rest your head sideways on the bed for at least 1 minute.
Only use it once. Throw the container away after using it.
How long to use it for
If you buy fluticasone nasal spray from a pharmacy or shop, check the leaflet that comes with the medicine. This will tell you how long you can use it for.
Do not use it continuously for more than 1 month without speaking to a doctor.
If your doctor prescribes fluticasone nasal spray, they may advise you to use it for longer.
It may take a few weeks for the medicine to work. Keep using it even though you may not feel better immediately.
If you're using fluticasone drops to shrink nasal polyps, your doctor will tell you how long to use them for. It will usually be for 4 to 6 weeks.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use your nasal spray or drops, use them as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case skip the missed dose and use it the next time as usual.
Do not use 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you use too much
Using too much fluticasone nasal spray or drops is unlikely to harm you.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're worried.