Rhinocort Hayfever & Allergy Extra Strength (Budesonide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rhinocort Hayfever & Allergy Extra Strength Used For?
Rhinocort is a nasal spray that helps prevent and treat allergic rhinitis, which is inflammation or swelling of the nose lining that can cause blockage, runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
Primary Uses
Treats seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever) triggered by pollens from grass, weeds, and trees, most common during Spring and Summer. Also treats perennial allergic rhinitis triggered by dust mites, animal dander (especially cats), or mould spores that can occur year-round.
How It Works
Contains budesonide, which belongs to a family of medicines called corticosteroids that help reduce inflammation in the nose lining.
Good to know: Rhinocort is not addictive and is available from pharmacists without a prescription.
How to Take Rhinocort Hayfever & Allergy Extra Strength
For best results, start using Rhinocort before the hayfever season begins or before coming into contact with known allergens. Gently blow your nose before using and use only in your nose.
Dosage Instructions
Starting dose: 2 sprays into each nostril once daily (total of 4 sprays per day). Do not exceed this recommended dose. Once symptoms improve, gradually reduce to the lowest number that controls symptoms, which might be 1 spray into each nostril daily. It may take a few days before you notice improvement.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose. See your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms are not relieved within 7 days.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- dizziness
- tiredness
- sneezing after spraying or irritated nose
- nose bleeds
- nasal crust
- dry nose or mouth
- itching or sore throat
- cough
- increased amount of sputum
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- severe rash
- ulcer (open wound) in your nose
- signs of nasal or sinus infection (persistent fever, pain, swelling, discoloured nasal discharge)
- change in vision or blurred vision
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Rhinocort should not be used or requires special medical supervision.
Who Should Not Take Rhinocort Hayfever & Allergy Extra Strength
Do not use if you have allergies to budesonide, any ingredients, or other corticosteroid medicines. Do not use if you have frequent nose bleeds or severe infections in the nose, especially candidiasis (thrush). Do not give to children under 12 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: nasal, sinus or chest infections; recent unhealed injury or surgery to your nose; open sores in your nose; severe nasal congestion; tuberculosis or exposure to TB, chicken pox or measles; glaucoma; cataracts or eye infections; diabetes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Rhinocort during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Rhinocort, potentially affecting how well it works or increasing side effects.
- Other corticosteroid medicines (tablets, asthma inhalers, nasal sprays, eye/nose drops)
- Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Cimetidine (for reflux and stomach ulcers)
- Certain antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin)
Storage
Keep Rhinocort in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, on window sills, or in the car, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 metres above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else may have used too much Rhinocort, immediately telephone your doctor, pharmacist, or the Poisons Information Centre (131 126), even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may take a few days of using Rhinocort before you notice any improvement in your symptoms. For best results, start using it before the hayfever season begins.
No, Rhinocort is not addictive.
Do not use for more than 6 months without advice from your doctor or pharmacist. See your healthcare provider if symptoms are not relieved within 7 days.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Do not give Rhinocort to children under 12 years of age. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe a suitable medicine for younger children with allergic rhinitis.
Do not use Rhinocort if you have frequent nose bleeds. However, your condition may cause nose bleeds and still require treatment – discuss with your doctor if you have concerns.
No, Rhinocort is available from pharmacists without a prescription.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.