Nasonex Nasal Spray: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Nasonex Nasal Spray contains mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid, supplied as a white to off-white suspension in a metered-dose spray bottle for use in the nose. It is used to treat symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps in adults, and acute rhinosinusitis. It works locally in the nose to reduce swelling and irritation, with very little absorbed into the rest of the body.

What is Nasonex Nasal Spray

Nasonex is a nasal spray containing the corticosteroid mometasone furoate. It comes as a white to off-white suspension in a bottle with a metered-dose spray pump for use in the nose.

Nasonex Nasal Spray uses

• Treating symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing
• Treating symptoms of year-round (perennial) allergic rhinitis
• Treating nasal polyps (growths in the nose) in adults
• Adjunctive treatment with antibiotics for acute rhinosinusitis with signs of bacterial infection
• Treating mild to moderate uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis without signs of bacterial infection

Benefits of Nasonex Nasal Spray

• Helps relieve nasal stuffiness, runny nose, itching, and sneezing caused by allergies
• Can help prevent seasonal allergy symptoms when started before pollen season
• May help shrink nasal polyps and relieve blocked feeling in the nose
• May be used alongside antibiotics to help reduce sinus inflammation symptoms

How Nasonex Nasal Spray works

Nasonex is a steroid medicine that works locally in the nose to reduce swelling and irritation, which relieves symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a blocked or runny nose. Very little of the medicine gets absorbed into the rest of the body.

Nasonex Nasal Spray dosage

Use in the nose only; do not spray into the eyes or mouth. Shake the bottle gently before each use, and gently blow your nose before using the spray. If using for the first time, prime the pump by pressing it repeatedly until a fine, even mist appears. If the spray has not been used for 14 days or more, re-prime the pump before use.

Close one nostril with your finger and tilt your head forward slightly, keeping the bottle upright. Insert the nozzle into the other nostril and breathe in gently through the nose while pressing down on the pump, avoiding the nasal septum. Breathe out through your mouth after each spray, and repeat in the other nostril as directed. Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap after use. Avoid blowing your nose for about 15 minutes afterward.

Young children using this medicine should be helped by an adult. Use this medicine regularly at the same time each day rather than only when you feel you need it, since it does not work immediately. It may take a day or two to notice an effect, and up to two weeks for the full benefit. For hay fever prevention, your doctor may recommend starting treatment two to four weeks before pollen season begins.

Keep track of the number of sprays used and discard the bottle once you have used the labeled number of sprays, even if it is not completely empty. Clean the nozzle regularly by removing the dust cap and nozzle, washing with warm water, and letting it dry; do not use a pin or sharp object to unblock the nozzle. Re-prime the pump after cleaning before using it again.

Available forms and strengths

• Nasal spray (suspension)

Side effects of Nasonex Nasal Spray

Common

• Headache
• Sneezing
• Nosebleeds or blood-tinged mucus
• Sore throat or nose
• Burning or irritation inside the nose
• Respiratory tract infection
• Ulcers in the nose
• Cough
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Muscle or joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion

Serious

• Allergic reactions including swollen face, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, hives, wheezing, or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
• Vision changes, blurred vision, or increased pressure in the eye (possible glaucoma or cataracts)
• Nasal septum perforation (a hole in the wall between the nostrils)
• Changes in taste and smell
• Signs of severe bacterial infection such as fever, persistent one-sided face or tooth pain, or swelling around the eye
• Chest pain or irregular/fast heartbeat
• Slowed growth in children with long-term use

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Nasonex if you have an untreated infection in your nose, as it can make the infection worse. Wait until the infection clears up before starting the spray.
• Do not use this medicine if you have recently had nose surgery or a nose injury until it has healed.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had tuberculosis, other infections, or are taking other corticosteroid medicines by mouth or injection, since your treatment may need to be adjusted.
• If your immune system is weakened, avoid contact with people who have measles or chickenpox while using this medicine, and tell your doctor if you are exposed.
• Using high doses of corticosteroid nasal sprays for a long time may cause the drug to be absorbed into the body and cause other side effects, including slowed growth in children.
• Do not use more than the prescribed amount or more often than directed, since this will not speed improvement and increases the risk of side effects.
• Do not use this medicine to treat the common cold, and do not use it for sinus infections without an antibiotic if bacterial infection is present or suspected.
• Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
• There is little information on using Nasonex during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, so they can weigh the possible benefits and risks.
• Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
• This medicine generally does not cause problems with driving or operating machinery.

Storage

• Keep the nasal spray in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C (or between 2°C and 25°C, depending on brand instructions).
• Do not freeze.
• Store it away from heat, moisture, and sunlight; for example, do not store it in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills.
• Protect from light; brief exposure during normal use is acceptable.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the bottle or carton.
• The bottle should be used within 2 months of first opening; only open one bottle at a time.
• If no longer needed or expired, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, hives, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of a severe bacterial infection, such as fever, ongoing severe pain on one side of the face or teeth, swelling around the eyes, or symptoms getting worse after they had started to improve.
• Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual changes while using this medicine.
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, seek urgent medical attention even if you feel fine.
• Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse while using this medicine.

Alternatives

• Flonase
• Rhinocort
• Nasacort