Is It Safe To Use Flonase Nasal Spray Inspite Of Suffering From Cataract?

Posted on Wed, 28 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i have cataracts, and open angle glaucoma, an urgent care clinic doctor prescribed flonase nasal spray and guaifenesin 600mg tablets for me, the package insert for flonase says do not use if you have catracts and glaucoma. what should i do? will my gluacoma and catracts be adverserly affected by using these drugs.

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Flonase on long term use will cause adverse effect

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care Magic.

I am Dr. Dadapeer K, an ophthalmologist and I will be answering your question.

I reviewed your history.
Flonase is a steroid drug and steroids are known to be associated with side effects on eyes like glaucoma or cataract on long term usage. Hence long term use of these drugs have to be avoided if you are having glaucoma or cataract.
Steroids in your case are prescribed for allergy hence alternatively you can use other potent anti allergic drugs. If flonase is required then you can use it for short periods like for less than 1 week safely.

Hence I advice you to consult your doctor for prescription of non steroidal anti allergic drugs for treatment of your allergy.

Hope this information is helpful to you.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar