Steroid nasal sprays are anti-inflammatory medicines you spray into your nose. They are also called corticosteroid nasal sprays.
Some are available without a prescription at pharmacies. Others are only on prescription.
Types of steroid nasal sprays
Types of steroid nasal sprays include:
- beclometasone (also called Beconase or Nasobec)
- fluticasone (also called Flixonase or Nasofan)
- mometasone (also called Nasonex)
Some nasal sprays contain steroids mixed with other medicines, such as antihistamines.
Uses of steroid nasal sprays
When sprayed into the nose, steroids reduce inflammation (swelling).
Steroid nasal sprays are used treat problems such as:
Get help for a serious allergic reaction
Emergency action required: Go to an emergency department (ED) or contact your GP urgently if you get:
- a rash
- swelling of the mouth or face
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
These are signs of an allergic reaction. Stop taking your steroid nasal spray straight away.
Check if you can use steroid nasal sprays
Most people can use steroid nasal sprays.
Do not use steroid nasal sprays if you:
- had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past
- recently had surgery on your nose
Ask your pharmacist or GP if you:
- have or ever had tuberculosis (TB)
- have an infection in your nose
- are taking or recently took other steroids
- want a nasal spray for your child - some are not suitable for children
- are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant
Tell your GP about risks of infections
You are more likely to get infections when you're taking any steroid medicines.
Tell your GP if you're exposed to infectious illnesses like chickenpox or shingles.
Steroids makes you more likely to catch infections such as:
Tuberculosis (TB) may also recur.
Keep away from people with an infectious disease, especially chickenpox or shingles. If you have never had these illnesses, they could make you very ill.
Food and alcohol
While using a steroid nasal spray you can usually drink alcohol and should be able to eat most foods.
How and when to use steroid nasal sprays
The leaflet that comes with your spray will explain how to use it and how often. Talk to your pharmacist or GP if you're not sure.
If you miss a dose
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as normal.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set a reminder alarm.
If you take too much
Accidentally using too much steroid nasal spray is unlikely to be harmful. Talk to your GP, nurse or pharmacist if you're worried you've taken too much.
Using a steroid nasal spray too often over a long time can make you more likely to get side effects and may affect some of your hormones. In children, this may affect growth and development.
Stopping treatment
If you bought a steroid nasal spray without a prescription, stop using it as soon as your symptoms are under control.
If your symptoms do not improve within 14 days, talk to your GP or pharmacist.
Do not use it continuously for more than 3 months unless your GP tells you to.
Prescription sprays
If you're taking a prescription spray, do not stop using it unless advised to by your GP. You may need to reduce your dose gradually.
This can help avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as:
- severe tiredness
- joint pain
- vomiting
- dizziness
- losing your appetite
- mood changes
- difficulty sleeping
Side effects of steroid nasal sprays
There are things you can do to help cope with common side effects of steroid nasal sprays:
A dry or sore nose, or nosebleeds
Stop using your nasal spray for a few days, then start again.
A stinging or burning sensation in the nose
Stop using your nasal spray for a few days, then start again.
Dry or sore throat, or hoarse voice
Try rinsing your mouth out with water after you use your nasal spray to help prevent this.
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your GP if the headaches are severe.
Unpleasant taste or smell
Rinse your mouth with water or have a drink of water.
Sneezing
This will usually settle down as you get used to the medicine.
See the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of side effects.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
Report side effects
You can report any suspected side effects to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA): report an issue - hpra.ie
Steroid nasal spray and other medicines
Some medicines can interfere with the way steroid nasal sprays work. This is uncommon if you're taking low doses for a short period.
Tell a GP or pharmacist if you take any other medicines, herbal remedies or supplements.
Fact check
This content was fact checked by a pharmacist, a GP, and the National Medication Safety Programme (Safermeds).
