Can You Use Nasacort Every Day for Allergy Relief?

Nasacort Allergy 24-Hour is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms. Its active ingredient is a steroid called triamcinolone.

Can Daily Nasacort Help Manage Your Allergies?

Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is most effective when used daily, rather than only as needed. This is because Nasacort can take up to 12 hours to start working and up to a week to provide maximum benefits.

That said, it’s not recommended to use Nasacort indefinitely unless a healthcare provider regularly monitors you. This is to minimize your risk of serious side effects.

Children under 12 should use Nasacort for no more than two months per year. This is because Nasacort and other nasal steroids may slow bone growth in children.

Discuss with your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician how long to use Nasacort for optimal safety and effectiveness.

How Does Nasacort Work for Allergies?

Nasal steroid sprays, including Nasacort, are the first-choice treatment for hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis).

Allergic rhinitis occurs when you inhale a substance that causes allergic or hypersensitivity reactions (allergen), like dust mites or pollen.

Nasacort works by blocking inflammation and your immune system’s response to allergens.

It provides relief for the following allergy symptoms:

• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• Sneezing
• Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
• Nasal itching (itchy nose)

What Else Is Nasacort Used For?

The FDA approved Nasacort for the treatment of allergy-related nasal symptoms.

However, triamcinolone acetonide, along with other nasal steroids, is sometimes used off-label for conditions other than allergies. Here are a few:

• Non-allergic rhinitis: Nasacort may help alleviate nasal inflammation not caused by allergies, such as irritants or temperature changes.
• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): Used after sinus surgery to reduce inflammation in long-term sinus issues.
• Nasal polyps (maintenance): May be used after polyp removal to help with maintenance.
• Snoring or sleep issues caused by nasal congestion or other conditions: May help improve airflow.
• Post-nasal drip: May reduce drainage caused by nasal inflammation.

Triamcinolone acetonide has been used or studied off-label for other conditions (such as Eustachian tube dysfunction). However, current research does not necessarily support its use for them, and individual results may vary.

Is Nasacort Safe for Me?

• Common side effects include headache, dry nose, nasal irritation or stinging, sore throat, stomach pain, and fever.
• May cause more serious effects, such as nosebleeds, fungal infections in the nose or throat, slowed wound healing, or stunted growth in children.
• Although it works locally in the nose, Nasacort can still have body-wide (systemic) effects.
• In rare cases, Nasacort may lead to vision problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts), a perforated nasal septum, or a weakened immune system.
• Talk to your healthcare provider before use if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other steroid medications.
• Consult a healthcare provider if you have a recent nose injury or ulcer, eye conditions (infection, glaucoma, cataracts), or a history of chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis.

How to Use Nasacort Safely and Effectively

Follow these steps to use Nasacort safely and effectively:

• Consider doing a sterile nasal rinse first to clear your nose.
• Shake the bottle and remove the Nasacort cap.
• Prime the spray by spraying it into the air several times before first use or if it has been unused for over two weeks.
• Blow your nose to clear your nasal passages.
• Shake the bottle again before each use.
• Cover one nostril with your finger.
• Insert the nozzle into the other nostril, aiming slightly upward and toward your ear.
• Spray the medicine while gently sniffing to help absorption.
• Use 1–2 sprays per nostril for adults.
• Use one spray per nostril for children aged two and above.
• Clean the nozzle with a tissue or warm water after use.
• Replace the cap securely after each use.