Brand Name(s): Rhinocort Aqua
Generic Name Budesonide Nasal Inhaler
What is budesonide nasal spray?
BUDESONIDE (Rhinocort® Aqua™ Nasal Spray) relieves inflammation and congestion of a stuffy nose caused by hay fever and other allergies. Generic budesonide nasal sprays are not yet available.
NOTE: Rhinocort® Nasal Inhaler has been discontinued in the US.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•Cushing's syndrome
•diabetes mellitus
•glaucoma
•infection such as an eye or sinus infection, or herpes or tuberculosis
•recent nasal surgery or trauma
•an unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, other steroids, or any other food or medicine, sulfites, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Rhinocort® Aqua™ spray is only for use in the nose. Prior to the first use, you will need to prime the Rhinocort® Aqua™ spray by pumping the spray 8 times into the air. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the spray well before each use. To use, first blow nose gently. Close one nostril, then, with head upright, spray the medicine into the other nostril. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly. After use, rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water, taking care not to suck water into the bottle. Dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap directly after cleaning. Do not use the nasal spray for more than one person. Do not use extra doses or use more of this medicine than your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Rhinocort® Aqua™ is given to children as young as 6 years of age.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Be sure to space doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with budesonide?
No interactions have been recorded. Do not use other nasal sprays or nasal inhalations with budesonide unless prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using budesonide?
Serious side effects with budesonide nasal spray are rare but may occur. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare:
•signs of allergic reactions, such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the tongue, lips, or eyelids, skin rash , itching, or hives, or wheezing.
•frequent nose bleeds
•severe nasal pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Less common:
•indigestion or bad taste in the mouth
More common:
•a feeling of mild burning, dryness, or irritation inside the nose
•dry mouth, sore throat
•increased cough
•occasional nose bleed
What should I watch for while taking budesonide?
An improvement in your symptoms may occur as soon as 24 hours after starting this medicine but it may take several days to reach maximum benefit. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 2—3 weeks or if they get worse. Do not stop using budesonide except on your prescriber's advice.
This medicine may make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you notice white patches or sores in your mouth or nose while you are being treated with budesonide.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Protect from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:01/07/2006 |
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