Rhinocort Hayfever and Allergy Original (Budesonide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rhinocort Hayfever and Allergy Original Used For?
Rhinocort is a nasal spray that helps prevent and treat allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hayfever. It contains budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nose lining.
Primary Uses
Rhinocort treats both seasonal allergic rhinitis (triggered by pollens from grass, weeds, and trees during Spring and Summer) and perennial allergic rhinitis (triggered by dust mites, animal dander, or mould spores throughout the year). It helps with nose blockage, runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
How It Works
Rhinocort contains budesonide, which belongs to a family of medicines called corticosteroids. These medicines work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nose lining.
Good to know: Rhinocort is not addictive and is available from pharmacists without a prescription.
How to Take Rhinocort Hayfever and Allergy Original
For best results, start using Rhinocort before the hayfever season begins or before contact with known allergens. Gently blow your nose before using and use only in your nose.
Dosage Instructions
Starting dose: FOUR sprays into EACH nostril in the morning, OR TWO sprays into EACH nostril twice daily (morning and evening). Do not exceed 8 sprays total per day. Once symptoms improve, gradually reduce to the lowest effective dose, which might be ONE spray into EACH nostril in the morning. 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.
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 nose irritation
- nose bleeds
- nasal crust
- dry nose or mouth
- itching or sore throat
- cough
- increased sputum
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- severe rash
- nose ulcer (open wound)
- signs of nasal or sinus infection (persistent fever, pain, swelling, discoloured discharge)
- vision changes or blurred vision
Important Warnings
Before using Rhinocort, it’s important to understand who should not use it and what medical conditions need special consideration.
Who Should Not Take Rhinocort Hayfever and Allergy Original
Do not use if you have allergies to budesonide or other corticosteroids, frequent nose bleeds, severe nasal infections (especially thrush), or if you are under 12 years of age. Do not use after expiry date or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have nasal/sinus/chest infections, recent nose injury or surgery, open nose sores, severe nasal congestion, tuberculosis exposure, chicken pox or measles exposure, glaucoma, cataracts, eye infections, or 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. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
- 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)
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while using Rhinocort.
Storage
Store 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 contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 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.
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 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.
Do not give Rhinocort to children under 12 years of age. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe a suitable medicine for younger children with hayfever.
See your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms are not relieved within 7 days. If symptoms persist, worsen, or new symptoms occur, stop use and consult a physician.
Do not use Rhinocort if you have frequent nose bleeds. However, if your condition causes nose bleeds and still requires treatment, discuss with your doctor about your concerns.
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.