Allergic Rhinitis

Question 1

Beclomethasone 50mcg

(1) Brand Name
(2) Dose/Directions
(3) P/BF safety
(4) Minimum age
(5) Side effects

Answer 1

(1) Beconase
(2) 2 sprays into the nostrils BD, decreasing to 1 spray OD when controlled (NB: ages 6-12 –> 1-2 sprays bd, then decrease to 1 OD when controlled)
(3) Safe
(4) >6 years
(5) Nasal stinging, itching, nose bleed, sore throat, dry mouth, cough

Question 2

Budesonide 32mcg

(1) Brand Name
(2) Dose/Directions
(3) P/BF safety
(4) Minimum age
(5) Side effects

Answer 2

(1) Rhinocort
(2) 2 sprays into both nostrils BD, then 1-2 sprays OD once controlled
(3) Safe
(4) >6 years
(5) Nasal stinging, itching, nose bleed, sore throat, dry mouth, cough

Question 3

Fluticasone 50mcg

(1) Brand Name
(2) Dose/Directions
(3) P/BF safety
(4) Minimum age
(5) Side effects

Answer 3

(1) Flixonase
(2) 2 sprays BNO mane, decrease to 1 spray mane when controlled
(3) Safe
(4) >12 years
(5) Nasal stinging, itching, nose bleed, sore throat, dry mouth, cough

Question 4

Mometasone 50mcg

(1) Brand Name
(2) Dose/Directions
(3) P/BF safety
(4) Minimum age
(5) Side effects

Answer 4

(1) Nasonex
(2) 2 sprays BNO daily, decreasing to 1 spray daily when controlled
(3) Safe
(4) >12 years
(5) Nasal stinging, itching, nose bleed, sore throat, dry mouth, cough

Question 5

NON-SEDATING antihistamines

(1) Brand Names/drug names
(2) Dose/Directions
(3) P/BF safety
(4) Minimum age
(5) Side effects

Answer 5

(1) Loratadine (claratyne), fexofenadine (telfast), desloratadine (aerius), cetirizine (zyrtec)
(2) 1 tab daily
(3) Not recommended
(4) >1 year for all except fexofenadine (>2 years)
(5) Sedation (rare), dry mouth, daytime drowsiness, dizziness

Question 6

SEDATING antihistamines

(1) Brand Names/drug names
(2) Dose/Directions
(3) P/BF safety
(4) Minimum age
(5) Side effects

Answer 6

(1) Promethazine (Phenergan)/dexchlorpheniramine (Polaramine)
(2) Promethazine: 10-25mg TDS PRN, dexchlorpheniramine: 2mg (1tab) q6h prn
(3) safe
(4) >2 y/o
(5) sedation, day time drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness

Question 7

How to administer a nasal spray?

Answer 7

(1) Gently shake the bottle and prime if required (not sure which ones need this)
(2) Blow nose gently to remove blockage and keep head upright
(3) Insert the tip into the nostril, aiming into the inner corner of the opposite eye, press the other nostril with one finger to close it
(4) Push down on spray and gently sniff at same time, take care to not sniff too hard
(5) Repeat for other nostril, wash hands to remove any medication, wipe bottle with tissue.