What is "flunisolide"

n. A corticosteroid often used to treat allergic rhinitis.

Flunisolide (marketed as AeroBid, Nasalide, Nasarel) is a corticosteroid often prescribed as treatment for allergic rhinitis. Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective medication for controlling symptoms. In the United Kingdom it was formerly marketed as Syntaris, but this was recently discontinued by the manufacturers.

The principal mechanism of action of flunisolide is to activate glucocorticoid receptors, meaning it has an anti-inflammatory action. The effects of topical corticosteroids is not immediate and requires regular use and at least a few days to start experiencing noticeable symptom relief. As-needed use has been shown to be not as effective as regular recommended use. Flunisolide should not be used in the presence of nasal infection. It should not be continued if there is no relief of symptoms after regular use over two to three weeks.