Sinusitis and Nasal Corticosteroids

Common names include:

• Beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase)
• Budesonide (Rhinocort)
• Dexamethasone (Dexacort Turbinaire)
• Flunisolide (Nasalide, Nasarel)
• Fluticasone (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Triamcinolone (Nasacort)

Nasal corticosteroids are inhaled directly into your nose through a special inhaler.

Read more details about Nasal Corticosteroids.

These drugs may help relieve congestion by decreasing swelling in the lining of the nose. It will likely take a few days of using nasal corticosteroids before you notice an effect; they must be used daily to sustain this effect. These drugs are often used with antibiotics.

Possible side effects include:

• Dryness of irritation of your nose, including nosebleeds
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Changes in the sense of smell or taste

If any of the following occurs while you are taking a nasal corticosteroid, call your doctor:

• Severe coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Painful sores or white or red patches inside your mouth or nose
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Continuous stinging or burning feeling in your nose