Flunisolide
AEROSPAN
Pronunciation: floo-NIS-oe-lide
What it isInhaled and intranasal glucocorticoid; asthma maintenance and allergic rhinitis.
Why this oneIt is a short-acting older option that generally requires more frequent use than newer local corticosteroids.
What limits itRinse after inhalation to prevent candidiasis; intranasal use causes epistaxis, and poor technique can injure the septum.
FDA-approved for
- asthma maintenance
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinitis (nasal) | Adults | 2 sprays (50 mcg) each nostril BID (200 mcg/day) | may increase to 2 sprays each nostril TID (300 mcg/day) | 400 mcg/day |
| Rhinitis (nasal) | Peds 6–14y | 1 spray each nostril TID or 2 sprays each nostril BID (150–200 mcg/day) | 150–200 mcg/day | 200 mcg/day |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Prime pump 5–6 times before first use and if unused for ≥5 days or after cleaning
- Do not spray in eyes
- After clinical effect, reduce to smallest effective maintenance dose
Available strengths
- sol 0.25 mg/mL
- nasal spray 25 mcg/spray
Cautions
- Nasal septal perforation (rare)
- Epistaxis, nasal irritation
- Temporary or permanent loss of smell/taste
- Hypercorticism if recommended doses exceeded
- Growth suppression in children
Adverse reactions
- Nasal burning/stinging
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Epistaxis / bloody mucous
- Nasal irritation
- Sore throat
- Headache
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg/mL | sol | per unit | $1.93/mL | offered |
Generic entry2002
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskEpistaxis; septal perforation with poor technique
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.