Brand name:

Rhinocort Aqua

Why is Rhinocort Aqua prescribed?

Rhinocort Aqua is an anti-inflammatory steroid nasal spray. It is prescribed for relief of the symptoms of hay fever and similar allergic nasal inflammations.

Most important fact about Rhinocort Aqua

Because steroids can suppress the immune system, people taking Rhinocort Aqua may become more susceptible to infections, and their infections could be more severe. Anyone taking Rhinocort Aqua or other corticosteroids who has not had infections such as chickenpox and measles should avoid exposure to them. If you are taking Rhinocort Aqua and are exposed, tell your doctor immediately.

How should you take Rhinocort Aqua?

Before using Rhinocort Aqua Nasal Spray, shake the container gently and prime the pump by spraying it 8 times. If used daily, the pump does not need to be reprimed. If not used for two consecutive days, reprime with one spray or until a fine mist appears. If not used for more than 14 days, rinse the applicator and reprime with two sprays or until a fine mist appears. Discard the bottle after 120 sprays, since the amount of drug in each spray will decline substantially after that point.

Relief may begin within 10 hours. Most improvement occurs during the first 1 or 2 days, but it may take as long as 2 weeks to achieve the maximum benefits. If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, or the condition grows worse, check with your doctor.

Do not use doses that are larger than recommended.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature with the valve up. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Rhinocort Aqua side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Rhinocort.

• Side effects may include:
  Nosebleeds, sore throat

Why should Rhinocort Aqua not be prescribed?

If you develop an infection of your nose and throat, stop using Rhinocort Aqua and call your doctor. If you already have tuberculosis or any other kind of infection, be sure your doctor knows about it.

Do not use Rhinocort Aqua if you have recently had nasal ulcers, nasal surgery or a nasal injury; Rhinocort Aqua would slow the healing process. You will also need to avoid Rhinocort if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Rhinocort Aqua

If you have been taking a steroid in tablet form, such as prednisone, and are switched to Rhinocort Aqua, you may have symptoms of withdrawal, such as joint or muscle pain, lethargy, and depression. If you have been taking another steroid for a long time for asthma, your asthma may get worse if your medication is cut back too quickly. Using Rhinocort Aqua with another steroid drug can decrease the body's normal ability to make its own steroid chemicals.

Use Rhinocort Aqua with caution in children and teenagers. It can affect their rate of growth.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Rhinocort Aqua

Talk to your doctor before using Rhinocort Aqua if you already take prednisone or any other steroid medication.

If Rhinocort Aqua is taken with certain other drugs, its effects could be increased. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Rhinocort Aqua with the following:

Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

In large doses, Rhinocort Aqua has caused fetal harm in laboratory animals. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Rhinocort Aqua should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. The effect of Rhinocort Aqua on nursing infants is also unknown, although we do know that similar drugs have been found in breast milk. It should be used with caution by women who breastfeed.

Recommended dosage for Rhinocort Aqua

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of long-term overdose with Rhinocort Aqua stem from a condition called hypercorticism, when the body produces an excess of its own steroid chemicals.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Diabetes easy bruising, fat around the waist and on the upper back, high blood pressure, lowered resistance to infection, menstrual problems, moon face, muscle weakness and wasting, poor healing, thin skin