Rhinocort
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Reviewed on Jan 22, 2025. by Dr. Joseph Palumbo Senior Medical Adviser Registered with NPI (No. 1043478878) Next review due on January 23, 2028.
Dr. Joseph Palumbo

Last updated on Jan 22, 2025.

Product info

  • Rhinocort is a corticosteroid nasal spray.

  • This treatment can help to reduce symptoms like swelling and congestion.
  • It’s the branded version of Budesondie and comes in one dose of 32mcg.

Rhinocort Budesonide

What is Rhinocort?

Rhinocort is a steroid nasal spray that can treat the symptoms of nasal infections. It’s the branded version of Budesonide.

Nasal infections are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. While these bacteria are not harmful when outside of the body, when they enter it (for example through a lesion or a break in skin, or unexposed tissue such as in the nose) this can lead to infections.

Sometimes the body clears these infections without treatment, but when treatment is needed, this is usually given as antibiotics. Rhinocort is a corticosteroid, so won’t treat the actual infection itself, but it can help relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion.

How does Rhinocort work?

Budesonide, the active ingredient in Rhinocort, is a corticosteroid. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents inflammatory cells from being activated in the body. This helps to reduce inflammation, which can help reduce nasal congestion and discomfort. This helps to clear your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.[1]

What doses of Rhinocort are there?

Rhinocort is only available in one dose of 32 mcg. For nasal infection, the typical dose is one to two sprays in each nostril once daily.

If after a few days of use you find that this dose isn’t effective for you, you may be able to use a different brand of budesonide nasal spray that contains a different dose. For more advice on this, ask your clinician.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Kalola UK, Ambati S. Budesonide. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr. Joseph Palumbo 29191
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 23, 2025. Next review due on January 23, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Rhinocort Budesonide

How to use Rhinocort

Before using Rhinocort, you’ll need to prime the bottle. To do this:

  • Shake the bottle for a few seconds.
  • Hold the bottle upright.
  • Press the pump down about eight times until a fine spray appears.

To use Rhinocort nasal spray:

  • Shake the bottle.
  • Blow your nose gently.
  • Place the nozzle near the tip of the nostril.
  • While breathing in through your nose, press the pump down.
  • Tilt your head backwards for a few seconds.
  • Repeat steps 2-5 for the other nostril.

How long does Rhinocort take to work?

Rhinocort starts to work immediately, but it will take a few days to notice an improvement in your symptoms. If your symptoms don’t improve after a week, let the clinician who prescribed Rhinocort form you know, so that they can advise you on what to do next.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Rhinocort?

Using more than the recommended dose can increase the risk of side effects. But if you accidentally sprayed slightly more than the recommended amount, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any overdose symptoms. Rhinocort releases only 32 mcg per spray, and this small amount shouldn’t cause harmful effects.

However, if you notice anything that concerns you, seek medical attention or contact your prescriber.

treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr. Joseph Palumbo 29191
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 23, 2025. Next review due on January 23, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Rhinocort Budesonide

Rhinocort isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when using it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.

Rhinocort Budesonide

Rhinocort: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Is there a generic version of Rhinocort?

Answer:
Yes. Rhinocort is the branded version of the medicine containing budesonide. But there is a generic version available. They both contain the same active ingredient in the same concentrations, making them equally effective. Aside from the packaging, manufacturing company and price, there aren't any major differences. If you’ve been recommended Budesonide, you can choose either one, but the generic version is usually cheaper.

How does Rhinocort differ from Flonase?

Answer:
Rhinocort and Flonase are two branded nasal corticosteroids containing different active ingredients. Rhinocort contains budesonide whereas Flonase contains fluticasone. When the two were compared in a clinical study, both treatments improved symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. However, budesonide was found to be more effective than fluticasone.[1] This doesn't necessarily mean fluticasone won't work for you, because each individual can have a different response to the same treatment.

Will I get side effects using Rhinocort?

Answer:
Some people may experience side effects when using Rhinocort, such as:

  • Nasal irritation

  • Sneezing

  • Dry nose

  • Nose bleeds


You can find a more complete list of side effects in the leaflet that comes with the treatment. These side effects should go away once you stop using Rhinocort. If the side effects worsen or you're unable to manage them, let the prescriber who recommended Rhinocort for you know, and they may be able to suggest an alternative.

Is Rhinocort available over the counter?

Answer:
No, Rhinocort is only available with a prescription from your doctor. Corticosteroids tend to be prescription only, because their use needs to be monitored and they can’t always be used for extended periods of time. After completing a quick consultation, your doctor will check if the medicine is the best option for you.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Day, J. and Carrillo, T. (1998). Comparison of the efficacy of budesonide and fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray for once daily treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 102(6), pp.902–908.

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