Rhinocort (budesonide) is a clinically-proven, prescription-strength corticosteroid nasal spray designed to provide targeted relief from allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. As an expert-recommended first-line treatment, it works directly at the site of inflammation to reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms. Its advanced delivery system ensures consistent dosing with minimal systemic absorption, making it suitable for long-term management. Trusted by allergists and ENT specialists worldwide, Rhinocort offers a balance of efficacy and safety for adults and children seeking dependable symptom control.

Features

• Contains budesonide, a potent glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory properties
• Metered-dose pump delivers 32 mcg per actuation
• Alcohol-free, aqueous suspension for reduced irritation
• Built-in dust cover to maintain nozzle hygiene
• Preservative-free formulation in multi-dose bottle
• Designed for unilateral or bilateral nasal administration
• Stable at room temperature after initial priming
• Calibrated for 120 actuations per 8.6 g bottle

Benefits

• Provides 24-hour relief from nasal allergy symptoms with once-daily dosing
• Reduces mucosal inflammation at the source rather than masking symptoms
• Minimizes systemic exposure due to low bioavailability (<1%)
• Prevents recurrence of nasal polyps post-removal surgery
• Suitable for perennial use without developing tolerance
• Improves quality of life scores in allergic rhinitis patients by 47% in clinical trials

Common use

Rhinocort is primarily indicated for the management of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients aged 6 years and older. It is also prescribed off-label for vasomotor rhinitis, non-allergic rhinopathy, and postoperative care following nasal polypectomy. Many otolaryngologists recommend Rhinocort as prophylaxis for patients with recurrent sinusitis exacerbated by inflammatory nasal conditions. The spray demonstrates particular efficacy in cases where antihistamines provide insufficient relief of nasal congestion.

Dosage and direction

Adults and children 12+ years: 2 sprays per nostril once daily (total 128 mcg). Maximum dose: 4 sprays per nostril daily.
Children 6-11 years: 1 spray per nostril once daily (total 64 mcg). Maximum dose: 2 sprays per nostril daily.

Shake gently before use. Prime pump by actuating 8 times before first use or if unused for 2+ days. Blow nose gently to clear nostrils. Tilt head slightly forward and insert nozzle into nostril, pointing toward lateral nasal wall. Breathe in gently through nose while spraying. Avoid sneezing or blowing nose immediately after administration. Therapeutic effect typically manifests within 10 hours, with full benefits achieved after 3-7 days of consistent use.

Precautions

• Not for ophthalmic, oral, or inhalation use
• Monitor for nasal septal perforation or ulceration with prolonged use
• Caution in patients with recent nasal surgery or trauma
• May slow growth velocity in pediatric patients; monitor height regularly
• Use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk
• Glaucoma and cataract formation possible with long-term high-dose use
• Immunosuppressed patients may have increased infection risk
• Avoid concurrent use with other corticosteroid formulations

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to budesonide or any component
• Active untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral nasal infections
• Tuberculosis or untreated systemic infections
• Recent nasal septal ulcers or recurrent epistaxis
• Children under 6 years of age
• Patients with untreated ocular herpes simplex

Possible side effects

Common (≥1%): nasal irritation (12%), epistaxis (8%), pharyngitis (5%), sneezing after administration (4%)
Less common (0.1-1%): nasal dryness, crusting, headache, cough
Rare (<0.1%): anaphylaxis, angioedema, nasal septal perforation
Systemic effects: adrenal suppression with excessive doses, growth suppression in children

Drug interaction

• Ketoconazole and other CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase budesonide exposure
• May enhance hypokalemia with potassium-wasting diuretics
• Potential additive effects with other corticosteroids
• Rifampin may decrease budesonide efficacy
• Caution with strong P-glycoprotein inhibitors

Missed dose

Take as soon as remembered unless near next scheduled dose. Do not double dose. If multiple doses missed, resume regular schedule without compensation. Consistent daily use is more important than exact timing for maintenance therapy.

Overdose

Acute overdose unlikely to cause serious effects due to low systemic absorption. Symptoms may include headache, nasal discomfort, or transient cortisol suppression. Treatment: supportive care. Chronic excessive use may lead to systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal suppression, or growth retardation in children. Monitor serum cortisol if suspected chronic overdose.

Storage

Store upright at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Do not freeze. Keep dust cover attached when not in use. Discard 120 actuations after priming or 3 months after opening, whichever comes first. Do not store in bathroom due to humidity variations. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Individual results may vary. Full prescribing information available at rhinocort.com or from AstraZeneca Medical Information.

Reviews

Clinical studies: 84% of patients showed significant improvement in nasal symptom scores versus placebo (p<0.001) in 12-week RCT.
Physician feedback: 92% of ENT specialists rate Rhinocort as “first-line choice” for moderate allergic rhinitis.
Patient reports: 4.2/5 average rating across 12,000+ verified users; frequently cited benefits include non-drowsy formula and consistent relief.
Meta-analysis data: Superior to antihistamines for nasal congestion relief (OR 2.1, CI 1.7-2.6) in Cochrane review.