How and when to use budesonide nasal spray - Brand name: Benacort

Always use budesonide nasal spray as a doctor or pharmacist has told you.

Dosage

Each spray usually contains 64 micrograms of budesonide.

You'll usually use the spray once or twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. The usual dose is 1 or 2 sprays into each nostril.

Follow the instructions that come with your medicine. Do not use more than the maximum number of sprays in 24 hours.

You need to use the spray regularly for it to work.

Changes to your dose

If you buy budesonide nasal spray without a prescription, you can use it less often once your symptoms are under control. For example, you might go from using 2 sprays twice a day to just 1 spray twice a day.

If your symptoms get worse after reducing your dose, you may want to increase it again.

If you have budesonide nasal spray on prescription, your doctor will tell you how often to use it and when to change your dose.

How to use it

If you're using a new bottle, it will not work the first time you press the spray. Pump the spray a few times until a fine mist comes out. You'll also need to do this if you have not used the bottle for a few days.

Gently shake the bottle, remove the cap and keep upright. Pump the nozzle until it starts to spray mist.

1. Blow your nose gently.
2. Put the tip of the nozzle into 1 nostril, being careful to keep it pointing towards the side of the nostril and not the middle (nasal septum).
3. Spray once into your nostril (or twice if you are told you need to).
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 in the other nostril if you need it.

After using your spray, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap.

How long to use it for

If you buy budesonide nasal spray from a pharmacy or shop, check the leaflet that comes with the medicine. It will tell you how long you can use it for. This is usually between 1 and 3 months. But If you feel no better after 7 to 14 days, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Also ask your doctor or pharmacist's advice if you feel better before 7 days but are not sure if you can stop.

If you're prescribed budesonide, your doctor may advise you to use it for longer.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use your spray, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. If this happens, skip the missed dose and have your next one at the usual time.

Do not add extra sprays to your dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you use too much

Using too much budesonide nasal spray is unlikely to harm you.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're worried.

Steroid cards

If you're using very high doses of budesonide, or you're using it with other steroid medicines, tablets for fungal infections or tablets for HIV, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist if you need to carry a blue steroid card, or a red steroid emergency card, or both.