How Do Intranasal Corticosteroids Work?

corticosteroids_intranasal

How They Work
- HOW DO INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS WORK?
Uses
- HOW ARE INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS USED?
Side Effects
- WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS?
Drug Names
- WHAT ARE NAMES OF INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS?

HOW DO INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS WORK?

Intranasal corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation and are used to treat allergic rhinitis (irritation and swelling of the mucous membrane in the nose occurring seasonally or year-round) or vasomotor rhinitis (blood vessels in the nasal mucosa dilate and cause congestion) and nasal polyps (a painless benign growth on the lining of the nose or sinuses)

Intranasal corticosteroids have a complex mechanism of action. Each drug has a different approach to reduce the local inflammation and when given in combination with other medications produces more anti-inflammatory effects.

There are several drugs in this drug class and their mechanisms of action are as follows:

Some corticosteroids evoke histamine H-1 receptor antagonist activity, exhibit H1-receptor antagonist activity and inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine from the cells.
Some corticosteroids naturally possess potent anti-inflammatory activity that affects and inhibits several cells such as mast cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, cytokines, and eicosanoids.
Some corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory properties may also have vasoconstrictive properties and may evoke potent glucocorticoid activity that provides direct anti-inflammatory actions to the nasal mucosa.

Intranasal corticosteroids when used often may decrease the sensitivity against allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.

HOW ARE INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS USED?

Intranasal corticosteroids are used to treat:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Perennial allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps (postsurgical prophylaxis)

WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROIDS?

Side effects associated with intranasal corticosteroids include:

Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Palpitations
Loss of taste
Wheezing
Epistaxis (bleeding from the nose)
Nasal ulceration
Nasal septal perforation
Nasopharyngeal irritation
Sneezing attacks after administration
Increased cough
Hoarseness
Upper respiratory tract infections
Vertical growth suppression
Musculoskeletal pain
Impaired wound healing
Candida albicans infection
Increased lacrimation (tear formation)
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Immunosuppression and risk of infections
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression
Hypercortism and adrenal suppression (decreased adrenal hormones)
Dysmenorrhea
Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.