Benacort Nasal Spray

Benacort is a corticosteroid nasal spray containing 64 micrograms of budesonide per spray. It's used to treat the nasal symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) in adults aged 18 and over. These symptoms include a blocked, runny, or itchy nose and sneezing caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. Unlike decongestant nasal sprays such as Otrivine, Benacort works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages over time rather than providing instant relief. It is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and non-drowsy, making it a well-tolerated option for daily hay fever management. A consultation with one of our clinicians at Access Doctor is required before it can be issued.

Benacort is not an instant-acting spray — it needs to be used regularly before you feel the full benefit. Most people begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few days of starting treatment, with the full effect usually felt after 1 to 2 weeks of consistent daily use. For the best results, if you suffer from hay fever, it's a good idea to start using Benacort 2 to 3 weeks before your usual hay fever season begins, so that it is already working by the time pollen levels start to rise.

The recommended dose for adults is two sprays into each nostril every morning. Always shake the bottle gently before use. Before using for the first time, prime the pump by pressing it down several times until you see an even mist. When spraying, blow your nose first, then direct the nozzle slightly to the side — away from the middle of the nose — to reduce the risk of irritation. Once your symptoms are under control, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose to one spray into each nostril in the morning. Do not use more than two sprays into each nostril per day.

Benacort should not be used continuously for longer than 3 months. It is designed for seasonal use during hay fever season, and once your symptoms are well controlled you should use the lowest effective dose. If your symptoms are not improving after 2 weeks of regular use, or if they return after stopping, speak to your GP or one of our clinicians at Access Doctor. Once opened, the bottle should be used within 2 months.

Benacort is generally very well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are mild nasal irritation, sneezing, a dry nose, or a slight stinging sensation after applying the spray — these usually settle quickly. In rare cases, some people experience nosebleeds or blurred vision. If you notice blurred vision after using Benacort, do not drive or operate machinery until it has cleared, and speak to your doctor if it persists. If you experience signs of a nasal infection — such as pain, swelling, or a fever — stop using the spray and seek medical advice promptly.

Benacort is not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age, or for people who are allergic to budesonide or any of the other ingredients. You should also speak to your doctor before using it if you have an active nasal infection, have recently had nasal surgery, or have tuberculosis. If you are taking certain antifungal medicines (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole) or HIV medications, these can interact with budesonide and increase the risk of side effects — always let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the medicines you are taking.

If you are pregnant, you should only use Benacort on the advice of your doctor, as a precaution. The evidence available suggests that budesonide does not cause harm to an unborn baby when used as a nasal spray, as very little of the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream at the doses used. If you are breastfeeding, Benacort is considered low risk as the amount of budesonide that passes into breast milk at nasal spray doses is very small — but it is still advisable to speak to your doctor before using it, so they can confirm it is appropriate for your circumstances.