$Unique_ID{BRK01957}
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$Title{FLUNISOLIDE (NASAL)}
$Subject{Nasalide (Syntex)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FLUNISOLIDE (NASAL)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Nasalide (Syntex)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nasal adrenocorticosteroid hormone
INGREDIENT:
     flunisolide
DOSAGE FORM:
     Nasal solution (25 mcg flunisolide per ml)
STORAGE:
     Flunisolide nasal solution should be stored at room temperature in a
       tightly closed container.  Opened containers of this medication should
       be discarded after three months.

USES

     Flunisolide nasal solution is used to relieve symptoms of rhinitis
(inflammation of the nasal passages).  How this drug acts to relieve these
symptoms is not completely understood.  Your adrenal glands naturally produce
certain cortisone-like chemicals.  These chemicals are involved in various
regulatory processes in the body (such as those involving fluid balance,
temperature, and reaction to inflammation).  Flunisolide belongs to a group of
drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or cortisone-like medications).

TREATMENT

     Just before applying flunisolide nasal solution, clear your nasal
passages of all secretions.  Then carefully follow the patient instructions,
which you should receive when your prescription is dispensed.  The
instructions will explain how to properly apply this medication.  To avoid the
risk of side effects, measure the dose carefully.  Do not increase the dose of
flunisolide or increase the number of applications per day without first
checking with your doctor.
     If your doctor recommends that you use a nasal decongestant to clear your
nasal passages, use the decongestant just before you apply flunisolide.
     Relief from the symptoms of inflammation may not become apparent for up
to three weeks after starting flunisolide.  This drug does not cure the cause
of inflammation, but it may help relieve the symptoms as long as you continue
to use it.  Therefore, its effectiveness depends on regular use while the
condition is present.  Your doctor may then recommend that you gradually
decrease the number of daily doses as your condition improves.
     If there is no improvement in your condition within three weeks after
starting flunisolide, check with your doctor.  He or she may want you to stop
the medication.  Try not to miss any doses of this medication.
     If you do miss a dose, apply the dose as soon as possible, unless it is
almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not apply the missed dose;
just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Drying of nasal passages, headache, loss of smell or taste, nasal
congestion, nasal irritation, nausea, nosebleeds, sneezing, sore throat,
vomiting, or watery eyes.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to this medication.  A mild, temporary burning or stinging sensation
may occur after this medication is applied.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
persistent burning or stinging after application.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication should not interact with any other medications as long as
it is used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to flunisolide or other adrenocorticosteroids
(such as amcinonide, beclomethasone, betamethasone, clocortolone, cortisone,
desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone,
fluocinolone, fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide,
hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone,
and triamcinolone).
     * Before starting flunisolide, tell your doctor if you now have or if you
have ever had chicken pox, diabetes mellitus, or tuberculosis.
     * Flunisolide can slow the healing of wounds.  Therefore, tell your
doctor about recent nasal surgery or injury, recurrent nosebleeds, or nasal
ulcers.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Studies in humans
have not been conducted; however, birth defects have been observed in the
offspring of animals that were given large oral doses of this drug during
pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of adrenocorticosteroids do pass into breast milk and may cause growth
suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid production in the
nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
