Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray - 50mcg - 150 Sprays

What is fluticasone propionate nasal spray?

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is a prescription-only steroid treatment used to help control and relieve allergy symptoms affecting the nose.

It contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

What is fluticasone propionate nasal spray used for?

It’s commonly used for conditions like hay fever and year-round allergies, helping to ease symptoms like:

• a blocked nose
• sneezing
• itching
• a runny nose

How does fluticasone propionate work?

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid meaning it helps calm the body’s allergic response, in turn lowering swelling and irritation in your nose.

When you come into contact with allergens like pollen or pet dander, your body reacts by causing swelling, irritation and excess mucus in the nasal lining.

This spray works directly in the nose to dampen that reaction, helping to settle the inflammation at its source.

How long does fluticasone propionate take to work?

Fluticasone propionate doesn’t work instantly, so you may not feel relief straight away.

It can take a few days of regular use before your symptoms begin to improve, as the inflammation in your nose gradually reduces.

Benefits of fluticasone propionate nasal spray

• Reduces inflammation in the nose to help control allergy symptoms at the source.
• Relieves a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itching.
• Helps prevent symptoms from developing when used regularly.
• Works for both seasonal allergies (like hay fever) and year-round allergies.
• Directly targets the nasal passages, so it acts where symptoms happen.
• Suitable for daily use to keep symptoms under control.

How to take fluticasone propionate nasal spray

Always use this spray exactly as advised on the label or by your pharmacist. How much you take depends on who is using it:

• Adults and children aged 12 and over: Two sprays in each nostril once a day, preferably in the morning.
• Children aged 4 to 11 years: One spray in each nostril once a day.

To use the nasal spray:

• Shake the bottle and gently blow your nose before use.
• Insert the nozzle into one nostril.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose and press down to release the spray.
• Repeat in the other nostril as needed.

This is a general overview of how to use the nasal spray, however, there are more in-depth instructions as well as a diagram in the patient information leaflet.

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray side effects

Like all medicines, fluticasone propionate nasal spray can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

You may notice mild effects straight after using the spray, like sneezing or an unpleasant taste or smell, but these usually pass quickly. Other common side effects include:

• nosebleeds
• headaches
• a dry or sore nose or throat

Using high doses for a long time may affect your body’s normal steroid levels, so it’s important to use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms. If you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

When to seek medical help

If you experience any sign of a severe allergic reaction (symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth or tongue, or a rash) then you should call an ambulance straight away.

When not to use fluticasone propionate nasal spray

While fluticasone propionate is generally a well-tolerated treatment for allergies, it’s not suitable for everyone. It should not be used if:

• you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the other ingredients
• being given to someone under four years old

To make sure this is right for you, you should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if:

• you have had surgery on your nose
• have a current nasal infection
• you have been told you have an underactive adrenal gland
• you are taking certain medications (including steroid treatments, antivirals like ritonavir, or antifungal treatments like ketoconazole)

Storage information

Store this spray in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children. It should not be stored above 30°C and must be protected from light and frost, so avoid leaving it in very hot or cold environments like the fridge.

Always check the expiry date on the packaging and do not use it if this date has passed, as it may not work as expected.

If you no longer need the spray, return any unused product to your pharmacist for safe disposal rather than throwing it away with household waste.

Alternatives to fluticasone propionate nasal spray

If fluticasone propionate nasal spray isn’t suitable or doesn’t fully control your symptoms, there are other options available to help manage allergies.

Antihistamine tablets can help relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching and a runny nose, like:

• cetirizine
• loratadine
• fexofenadine

If you’re looking for more instant relief from symptoms in your nose, decongestant nasal sprays are better, like:

• Sudafed Plus- 10ml
• Otrivine Extra – 10ml

Frequently asked questions about fluticasone nasal spray

Is fluticasone a steroid or an antihistamine?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, not an antihistamine. It works by reducing inflammation in the nose, helping to control allergy symptoms like swelling, itching, sneezing and congestion at the source.

Is it bad to use fluticasone propionate nasal spray every day?

No, it’s designed to be used daily to keep allergy symptoms under control. Using it regularly helps prevent symptoms from building up, but it’s important to use the lowest dose that works for you.

Sources

• Fluticasone nasal spray and drops (2023). NHS. [Accessed 14 May 2026].
• Fluticasone (2026). NICE. [Accessed 14 May 2026].
• Fluticasone propionate 50 micrograms (2025). EMC. [Accessed 14 May 2026].