Flunisolide
Pronunciation: floo-NISS-oh-lide.
- Generic name
- flunisolide
- Brand names
- Nasarel, Flunisolide Sandoz, Flunisolide Sun, Flunisolide Apotex, AeroBid, Flunisolide Cipla
- Drug class
- Corticosteroid (Inhaled/Nasal)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What flunisolide is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how flunisolide works
Flunisolide is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibits multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils) and mediators (e.g., histamine, leukotrienes) involved in the inflammatory response. By binding to glucocorticoid receptors, it suppresses the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and upregulates anti-inflammatory proteins, reducing airway and nasal mucosal inflammation.
What flunisolide is used for
Asthma maintenance treatment
Asthma maintenance treatment
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis
Before taking flunisolide
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to flunisolide or formulation components. (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
How to take flunisolide
- General Instructions: Use Flunisolide exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Shake the inhaler or nasal spray before use if instructed.. Adult Dosing: For allergic rhinitis (nasal spray): 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily (maximum 8 sprays per nostril per day). For asthma (inhalation): 160 mcg to 320 mcg twice daily, adjusted as needed.. Pediatric Dosing: For children aged 6–14 years: 1 spray in each nostril twice daily (nasal), or 80 mcg to 160 mcg twice daily (inhalation), as directed by a healthcare provider.. Administration: Administer via nasal spray or oral inhaler as directed. Rinse mouth after inhalation to prevent oral thrush. Clean the device regularly.. When To Stop: Do not stop abruptly. Consult your doctor before discontinuing, especially if used for long periods.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule; do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely with inhaled or nasal forms but may cause symptoms of excess corticosteroid exposure (Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal suppression). Seek medical attention if large amounts are ingested or if symptoms such as severe fatigue, muscle weakness, or confusion occur.
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nasal irritation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Sore throat
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nosebleeds
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Cough
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Oral thrush
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Adrenal suppression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Altered sense of taste or smell
Incidence: Common with nasal spray use
Eye tearing
Incidence: Common with nasal spray use
Nausea or vomiting
Incidence: Common with nasal spray use
Serious warnings
Long-term use may increase the risk of infections — serious
Symptoms: Long-term use may increase the risk of infections. May cause slowed growth in children with prolonged use. Use with caution in patients with glaucoma or cataracts. Monitor for signs of adrenal suppression. Not for acute asthma attacks or emergency use.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to flunisolide or formulation components. Use caution in patients with active or latent tuberculosis, untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, recent nasal surgery or trauma, and ocular conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. Monitor for adrenal suppression with prolonged use.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly for severe or ongoing nosebleeds — serious
Symptoms: Contact your healthcare provider promptly for severe or ongoing nosebleeds; itching, irritation, sores, or white patches in the nose, mouth, or throat; crusting around the nostrils; any wound that will not heal; or fever, chills, weakness, or flu-like symptoms, which can be signs of infection or tissue injury.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Flunisolide may interact with other corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and certain antifungal or antiviral medications that affect CYP3A4 metabolism. Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal products. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy is uncertain. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of continuing flunisolide during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether flunisolide passes into breast milk. Discuss breastfeeding plans with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing this medicine.
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children.
Renal_impairment
The FDA label for flunisolide nasal solution provides no renal- or hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment guidance. As with other intranasal/inhaled corticosteroids, clinicians should still use clinical judgement in patients with significant hepatic disease, since corticosteroids are hepatically metabolized, but no specific dose table exists in the labeling reviewed.
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label for flunisolide nasal solution provides no renal- or hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment guidance. As with other intranasal/inhaled corticosteroids, clinicians should still use clinical judgement in patients with significant hepatic disease, since corticosteroids are hepatically metabolized, but no specific dose table exists in the labeling reviewed.
Monitoring
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the nasal spray bottle upright and discard it after 200 sprays, even if some liquid remains. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
Dose summary: Nasal spray for rhinitis: 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily (maximum 8 sprays per nostril per day). Oral inhaler for asthma maintenance: 160-320 mcg twice daily, adjusted as needed.
Renal context: The FDA label reviewed for this page (flunisolide nasal solution, Dosage and Administration section) states no renal-impairment dosing guidance for flunisolide. No dose adjustment is specified; renal status should be assessed by the prescriber rather than adjusted from a published table.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for Flunisolide to work?
You may begin to notice symptom improvement within a few days, but full benefit may take up to 1–2 weeks of regular use.
Can Flunisolide be used for acute asthma attacks?
No, Flunisolide is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden asthma symptoms. Use your fast-acting inhaler for acute attacks.
What should I do if I develop white patches in my mouth?
White patches may indicate oral thrush. Contact your doctor for evaluation and possible antifungal treatment.
Is Flunisolide safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Discuss with your doctor. Flunisolide should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and prescribed.
Can children use Flunisolide?
Yes, but dosing is lower and growth should be monitored during long-term use.
How should I clean my Flunisolide inhaler or nasal spray?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, rinse the mouthpiece or nozzle with warm water and allow to air dry.
What are signs of serious side effects with Flunisolide?
Serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, vision changes, persistent nosebleeds, or symptoms of adrenal suppression (fatigue, weakness). Seek medical attention if these occur.
What happens if I take too much Flunisolide?
Taking too much Flunisolide, especially over an extended period, can lead to systemic corticosteroid effects such as adrenal suppression. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and nausea. If you suspect an overdose or experience unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Flunisolide?
While there isn't a direct interaction between Flunisolide and alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption can potentially worsen certain side effects associated with corticosteroids, such as stomach upset or irritation. It's generally advisable to consume alcohol in moderation or discuss your drinking habits with your doctor to ensure it doesn't interfere with your treatment or overall health.
Is Flunisolide safe during pregnancy?
Flunisolide is categorized as a Pregnancy Category C medication. This means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, Flunisolide should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits.
What is the mechanism of action of flunisolide?
Flunisolide is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibits multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils) and mediators (e.g., histamine, leukotrienes) involved in the inflammatory response. By binding to glucocorticoid receptors, it suppresses the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and upregulates anti-inflammatory proteins, reducing airway and nasal mucosal inflammation.
What is the generic name of Flunisolide?
The generic name is flunisolide. It is sold under brand names including Nasarel, Flunisolide Sandoz, Flunisolide Sun, Flunisolide Apotex, AeroBid, Flunisolide Cipla.
What class of drug is flunisolide?
Flunisolide is classed as: Corticosteroid (Inhaled/Nasal).
References
- Flunisolide: MedGuideGlobal Clinician MonographMedGuideGlobal · International · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Flunisolide Nasal Spray: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & DosingDrugs.com · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Flunisolide Nasal Solution - FDA Prescribing InformationU.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · United States · dated Not specified · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- FLUNISOLIDE SOLUTION [BAUSCH & LOMB INCORPORATED] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Flunisolide Nasal Spray — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Flunisolide — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA074805)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
- flunisolide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 25120)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 7
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient flunisolide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.