FlunisolideInhl - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Flunisolide images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Flunisolide

Uses
Flunisolide is used to help prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. For those who must take corticosteroids by mouth to control their asthma, flunisolide can be used to help decrease the dose of the medication that must be taken by mouth. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works to make breathing easier by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs, and decreasing phlegm and other asthma symptoms.This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol) as prescribed.
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood glucose/salt levels, blood counts, height/weight measurements, blood pressure, eye examinations, X-rays, bone density tests) may be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects if this medication is used for prolonged periods.
Consult your doctor for more details.Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) during long-term therapy include weight-bearing exercise, increasing calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol.
Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.If you take this medication for a long time, wear or carry identification stating that you are using it.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C).
Do not store or use near heat or open flame.
Avoid storage at temperatures above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) because this may cause the container to explode.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

How To Use

First read the manufacturers instruction leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using flunisolide and each time you get a refill.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaler device.
To use the inhaler, shake the canister for about 10 seconds.
Take a drink of water to moisten the throat.
Place the inhaler mouthpiece into your mouth over the tongue.
Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
Tilt your head back slightly, and press the inhaler while taking a slow deep breath for 5 seconds.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds so that the drug can be absorbed into the lungs.
Slowly breathe out.Use this medication twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.It is recommended that you use a spacer device with this medication.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.If 2 or more inhalations/puffs for each dose are prescribed, wait at least 1 minute between them.If you are using other inhalers at the same time, use them first.
Wait several minutes between the use of those inhalers and flunisolide.To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and fungal infection of the mouth, rinse your mouth with water after each use.
Do not swallow the rinse water.Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.If you have been taking high doses of this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval.
Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, weight loss, or nausea.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur after stopping the medication.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, or unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, lightheadedness shakiness, nervousness, white/sore patches in the mouth or throat, heartburn, loss of appetite, increased appetite, constipation, gas, menstrual period changes (e.g., delayed/irregular/absent periods), stomach/abdominal pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, unusual weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), fever, persistent sore throat, frequent/painful urination, eye pain/discharge, earache, cough, vision changes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

See also Warning section.Before using flunisolide inhalation, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you are allergic to other corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, triamcinolone, prednisone, dexamethasone); or if you have any other allergies.Though unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream, especially at higher doses.
This may result in worsening of certain conditions.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: untreated active fungal infections, certain eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes of the eye), certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), brittle bones (osteoporosis), certain muscle/nerve problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), current infections (e.g., tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test), other herpes infections (e.g., mouth/genital), HIV, inactive infections (e.g., Ameba, Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus), bleeding problems, history of blood clots, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low salts in the blood (e.g., low potassium or calcium).This drug may rarely make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have taken it within the last 12 months.Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor.
Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication unless you have previously had these infections (e.g., in childhood).
If you are exposed to either of these infections and you have not previously had them, seek immediate medical attention.If you have diabetes, this drug may rarely make it harder to control your blood sugar.
Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination.
Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.Caution is advised when using this drug in children because there is a slight risk that it may temporarily slow down a child's growth rate, but this will probably not affect final adult height.
Though this effect is rare with inhaled steroids such as flunisolide, monitor your child's height regularly.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
There have been rare reports of harm to the unborn baby when the mother was taking other corticosteroids.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Infants born to mothers who have been using high doses of flunisolide for an extended time may have hormone problems.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.This medication passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: live virus vaccines, mifepristone, natalizumab.If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting flunisolide.Though unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream, especially at higher doses.
This may result in certain drug interactions.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aldesleukin, large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen), birth control pills, estrogen hormone replacement, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), bupropion, drugs for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin, metformin), herbal products (e.g., licorice), drugs for myasthenia gravis (e.g., neostigmine, pyridostigmine), isoniazid, drugs that may cause potassium loss (e.g., amphotericin B, water pills/diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide).Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) that may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This product may interfere with certain lab tests.
Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.