Generic Name: triamcinolone nasal
Brand Names: Nasacort, Nasacort AQ, Tri-Nasal
Nasacort : Important Information
- Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.
- Use Nasacort on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.
What is Nasacort
- Triamcinolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
- Nasacort is used to treat the nasal symptoms of allergies and other seasonal reactions.
- Nasacort may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What to Discuss Before Using Nasacort
- Before using Nasacort, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into the system can inhibit the body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use Nasacort if you have an infection.
- Nasacort is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether Nasacort will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether Nasacort passes into breast milk. Do not use Nasacort without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- The Nasacort brand is not recommended for use by children under 6 years. The Tri-Nasal Spray brand of Nasacort is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
Nasacort Dosage Method
- Use Nasacort spray exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your medication. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- To use the nasal inhaler formulation (Nasacort):
- Before each use of the inhaler, gently blow the nose to make sure the nostrils are clear. Remove the white protective cap from the nasal inhaler. Shake the canister well.
- Holding the inhaler between the thumb and forefinger, tilt the head back slightly and insert the inhaler into one nostril, pointing it slightly toward the outside nostril wall away from the nasal septum, while holding the other nostril closed with one finger. Press down on the canister to release one spray and inhale gently at the same time. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through the mouth. Withdraw the nasal inhaler from the nostril. If your doctor has prescribed more than one spray in each nostril, repeat this process. Repeat the process in the other nostril then replace the white protective inhaler cap on the nasal inhaler. Avoid blowing the nose for the next 15 minutes.
- The Nasacort nasal spray inhaler should be cleaned weekly. Remove the white protective cap from the nasal inhaler. Clean the nasal inhaler thoroughly in lukewarm water. Do not use soap, detergent, or another cleanser. Allow the inhaler to dry completely. Gently center and insert the canister with the plastic stem downward into the small hole at the bottom of the nasal inhaler. Replace the white protective cap on the nasal inhaler. The canister and nose piece are designed to be used together. Never use this canister or nose piece with those from any other product.
- The Nasacort nasal inhaler should be thrown away after 100 sprays
- To use the nasal spray formulations (Nasacort AQ, Tri-Nasal Spray):
- Pull the cover and the clip off the spray unit. Do not attempt to enlarge the hole in the spray tip. If the actuator has come off the pump stem, reinsert the stem on the actuator. Shake the spray pump well. The spray pump must be primed before the first use. To do this, put two fingers on the "shoulders" of the bottle. Push the bottle with your thumb firmly and quickly for a full-stroke actuation until a fine spray appears. This will take between 3 and 5 pumps. A fine mist can only be produced by a rapid and firm pumping action. Repriming is only necessary when the spray pump unit has not been used for more than 14 days. To reprime, shake the bottle and pump the unit one to three times until a fine spray appears.
- Gently blow the nose to make sure the nostrils are clear. Hold the nasal spray pump unit firmly with the index and middle fingers on either side of the spray tip and the thumb on bottom of the bottle. Rest the back of the index finger against the upper lip. Be careful that the finger does not slip off spray pump unit as you spray. Put the spray tip into one nostril (the tip should not reach far into the nose). Bend the head forward so that spray will aim toward the back of the nose. Point the tip straight back into the nose. Close the other nostril with one finger. Pump the spray unit by pushing the bottle with the thumb firmly and quickly for a full-stroke actuation and sniff gently at the same time. Repeat these steps if your doctor prescribed more then one spray per nostril. Repeat this procedure for the other nostril. Avoid blowing the nose for 15 minutes following dosing.
- Keep the cover and the clip on the spray pump unit when not in use.
- The Nasacort AQ Nasal Spray and the Tri-Nasal Spray should be thrown away after 120 sprays.
- It may take a few weeks to see the effects of Nasacort. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
- Store Nasacort nasal spray at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
Nasacort Overdose?
- An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.
Avoid During Treatment
- Avoid items or activities that are known allergens to you. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.
- Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while using Nasacort.
Nasacort Side Effects
- Serious side effects from Nasacort are not likely to occur. Stop using Nasacort and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Nasacort and talk to your doctor if you experience
- stinging or burning of the nose;
- sneezing after application;
- yeast infection in the nose or throat (white patches);
- inflammation or irritation of the throat;
- bleeding nose;
- perforated septum (inside center of nose);
- increased pressure in the eye, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;
- headache or lightheadedness;
- nausea or upset stomach;
- fever;
- cough;
- ear irritation or inflamation;
- nasal stuffiness or a runny nose; or
- unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Nasacort. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Nasacort, generically known as triamcinolone nasal, is a metered-dose nasal inhaler containing the anti-inflammatory steroid medication, triamcinolone acetonide. Nasacort AQ is a metered-dose pump spray.
Nasacort is used as long-term therapy to control bronchial asthma attacks. Nasacort and Nasacort AQ are prescribed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other nasal allergies. Nasacort is also used in the treatment of nasal polyps.
Nasacort does not provide rapid relief in an asthma attack. Instead, it reduces the frequency and severity of attacks when taken on a regular basis. For quick relief, you must still use airway-opening medications. Store Nasacort at room temperature. Since the contents of the aerosol inhalant are under pressure, do not puncture the container and do not use or store the medication near heat or open flame.
