Information on Nasacort and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

Nasacort Consumer Information

NASACORT

Generic Name: triamcinolone nasal (trye am SIH no lone)

Brand Names: Nasacort, Nasacort AQ, Tri-Nasal

What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone nasal?

  • Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.
  • Use triamcinolone nasal on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.

What is triamcinolone nasal?

  • Triamcinolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
  • Triamcinolone nasal is used to treat the nasal symptoms of allergies and other seasonal reactions.
  • Triamcinolone nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using triamcinolone nasal?

  • Before using this medication, 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 triamcinolone nasal if you have an infection.
  • Triamcinolone is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether triamcinolone nasal 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 triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Do not use triamcinolone nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  • The Nasacort brand of triamcinolone nasal is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age. The Tri-Nasal Spray brand of triamcinolone nasal is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use triamcinolone nasal?

  • Use triamcinolone nasal 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 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 left 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 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 triamcinolone nasal. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
  • Store triamcinolone nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • 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.

What happens if I 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 left for advice.

What should I avoid while taking triamcinolone nasal?

  • 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 triamcinolone nasal.

Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.