Mometasone 50mcg Nasal Spray (120)
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Administration
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for nasal use only. Avoid getting it in your mouth or eyes, as it may cause burning.
It may take up to 2 weeks to experience the full effects of the medication.
Before each use, shake the bottle well.
Prime the pump before the first use by spraying it 10 times or until a fine mist appears. If the pump is not used for more than 1 week, re-prime it by spraying 2 times or until a fine mist appears.
Blow your nose before using the medication.
Spray the medication up into your nose only. Avoid spraying it onto the nasal septum (the wall between the two nostrils).
Clean the spray tip as instructed or according to the package insert.
Storage and Disposal
Store the spray at room temperature.
Discard any unused portion after the labeled number of doses have been used.
Protect the medication from light.
Be aware of the storage duration for this medication. Check the storage information provided with the medication or consult your pharmacist if you have questions.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Do not use two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use regularly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, for best results.
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Prime the pump before first use or if not used for a week or more (spray into the air until a fine mist appears).
- Clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose before use.
- Tilt your head slightly forward and insert the nozzle into one nostril, pointing slightly away from the nasal septum (the wall between your nostrils).
- Close the other nostril with your finger.
- Press down firmly on the pump to spray while gently breathing in through your nose.
- Breathe out through your mouth.
- Repeat for the other nostril.
- Avoid blowing your nose immediately after use.
- Clean the nasal applicator regularly as per instructions.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of infection, including:
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Severe sore throat
+ Ear or sinus pain
+ Cough
+ Increased or discolored sputum
+ Painful urination
+ Mouth sores
+ Wounds that won't heal
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Extreme fatigue
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Nose sores
Nose pain
Whistling sound while breathing
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat
Changes in vision
Painful menstrual periods
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:
Headache
Nose or throat irritation
Nosebleed
Common cold symptoms
Cough
* Muscle pain
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Nosebleeds that are severe or persistent
- Nasal irritation, burning, or stinging that doesn't go away
- Sores or white patches in the nose or throat (signs of fungal infection)
- Changes in vision or eye pain
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, increased pain or swelling)
- Slowed growth in children
- Symptoms of adrenal suppression (e.g., unusual tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have recently undergone nose surgery or have a nose injury, ulcers, or sores.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. To ensure your safety, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.
Precautions & Cautions
While taking this drug, you may be more susceptible to infections. To minimize this risk, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or flu.
If you have not previously had chickenpox or measles, it is crucial to avoid exposure to these illnesses, as they can be severe or even life-threatening in people taking steroid medications like this one. If you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, consult your doctor promptly.
This medication may increase your risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor and follow their recommendation for regular eye exams to monitor your eye health.
In children and adolescents, this drug may potentially affect growth. Regular growth checks may be necessary to monitor any changes. Consult your doctor to discuss the potential impact on growth and the need for regular assessments.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is essential to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Acute overdose is unlikely due to low systemic absorption. Chronic overdose or excessive use may lead to signs of hypercorticism (e.g., Cushing's syndrome) or adrenal suppression.
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose or chronic excessive use, contact a poison control center or emergency medical services immediately. Call 1-800-222-1222. Management is supportive and symptomatic. Gradual withdrawal may be necessary if adrenal suppression is suspected.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, cobicistat): May increase systemic exposure to mometasone, potentially leading to Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Co-administration should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the increased risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects. Patients should be monitored for systemic corticosteroid effects.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline nasal mucosa, presence of polyps, or any pre-existing infections/lesions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use
Target: Healthy, non-irritated mucosa; absence of septal perforation or candidiasis
Action Threshold: If irritation, epistaxis, septal perforation, or candidiasis occurs, discontinue or adjust dose.
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months)
Target: Normal growth velocity for age
Action Threshold: If growth suppression is observed, consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with high doses or prolonged use
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: If symptoms occur, evaluate adrenal function and consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Improvement in nasal congestion
- Reduction in sneezing
- Decrease in rhinorrhea
- Relief of nasal itching
- Reduction in post-nasal drip
- Absence of nasal irritation or bleeding
- Signs of fungal infection (e.g., white patches in nose/throat)
- Signs of systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., weight gain, moon face, easy bruising, fatigue)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects at high doses, but human data are limited. Low systemic absorption minimizes fetal exposure.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is not known whether mometasone furoate is excreted in human milk. Due to low systemic absorption, infant exposure is expected to be minimal. Use with caution; consider the benefits of breastfeeding versus the potential risks to the infant.
Pediatric Use
Mometasone nasal spray is approved for allergic rhinitis in children 2 years and older. Long-term use in children may affect growth velocity; growth should be monitored. The lowest effective dose should be used.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is required. Efficacy and safety profiles are generally similar to younger adults. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to systemic corticosteroid effects if significant absorption occurs, though this is rare with nasal administration.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Mometasone nasal spray is a preventative medication and may take several days to 2 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect. Patients should be advised to use it consistently.
- Proper administration technique is crucial for efficacy and to minimize local side effects. Emphasize pointing the spray away from the nasal septum.
- Patients should be warned about the potential for local side effects like epistaxis (nosebleeds), nasal irritation, and rarely, septal perforation or candidiasis.
- If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of regular use, or if they worsen, patients should consult their healthcare provider.
- For patients with severe nasal congestion, a decongestant nasal spray may be used for a few days prior to starting mometasone to help clear the nasal passages and allow the steroid to reach the inflamed areas.
Alternative Therapies
- Other intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone propionate, budesonide, triamcinolone acetonide, ciclesonide)
- Oral antihistamines
- Nasal antihistamines (e.g., azelastine)
- Nasal cromolyn
- Oral decongestants
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast)
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)