Rhinocort

Rhinocort (budesonide) nasal spray is a steroid-based spray intended for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

When is Rhinocort used?

  • Prevention and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis;
  • Vasomotor rhinitis;
  • Nasal polyps.

How does it work?

Budesonide is a glucocorticosteroid for inhalation use. It has anti-allergic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory effects. It increases the production of a phospholipase A inhibitor – lipomodulin, inhibits the release of arachidonic acid and the synthesis of products of its metabolism (cyclic endometritis, prostaglandins). It reduces inflammatory exudation, the production of lymphokines, reduces the intensity of granulation and infiltration, inhibits the migration of macrophages, the formation of chemotaxis, and the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. It promotes an increase in the number of active beta-adrenergic receptors, reduces edema of the bronchial mucosa, mucus production, stimulates mucociliary transport.

How to use Rhinocort?

Adults and children over 6 years old at the beginning of therapy – 100 mcg in each nasal passage 2 times/day. The usual maintenance dose is 50 mcg in each nostril 2 times/day or 100 mcg in each nostril 1 time per day in the morning. The maintenance dose should be the lowest effective dose that relieves rhinitis symptoms. The maximum single dose is 200 μg (100 μg in each nostril), the maximum daily dose is 400 μg for no more than 3 months.

For maximum effect, the drug should be used regularly.

If the dose has been missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, but not less than 1 hour before taking the next dose.

Children must use the drug under the guidance of adults.

Contraindications

  • Fungal, bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory tract;
  • Active form of pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • Children under 6 years;
  • Hypersensitivity to budesonide or any other component of the drug.

Precautions: recent nasal surgery, recent nasal trauma, tuberculosis.

Side effects

Rhinocort can cause cough, hoarseness, irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa, candidiasis (including esophageal candidiasis, candidal stomatitis), dry mouth, change in taste, headache, nausea, bruising, paradoxical bronchospasm, mental disorders (nervousness, depression, movement anxiety, behavior change).

Systemic side reactions may occur: irritating effect on the digestive tract, osteoporosis, weight gain, increased appetite, edema, increased blood pressure, cataracts.

Overdose

Symptoms of chronic intoxication: suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system (Cushing’s syndrome, including obesity with a characteristic deposition of fatty tissue in the abdomen, neck, face, chest, moon-shaped face, purple blush, increased appetite, stretch marks, acne, increased, hirsutism, dysmenorrhea, impotence, fluctuations in blood pressure, osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures). In this case, there is no need for emergency measures. Monitoring of the reserve function of the adrenal cortex is recommended.

Interaction with other drugs

  • Phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin may reduce the effectiveness of Rhinocort;
  • Methandrostenolone, estrogens, ketoconazole may increase its effectiveness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of the drug during pregnancy is allowed only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. If it is necessary to use the drug during lactation, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Special instructions

Avoid contact with eyes.

When switching from treatment with systemic corticosteroids to corticosteroids for local use, there is a risk of developing adrenal insufficiency.

To achieve a therapeutic effect in allergic rhinitis, regular administration of the drug is required.