Benacort 64 Micrograms Nasal Spray (18 Years Plus) - 120 Sprays

Is Benacort Nasal Spray Right for Your Hay Fever?

If you struggle with a blocked, runny, or itchy nose every time pollen season arrives — or year-round due to dust mites or pet dander — you are far from alone. Allergic rhinitis affects millions of people across the UK, and finding a treatment that actually works can feel like a challenge. Budesonide nasal spray, sold under the brand name Benacort, is a clinically established option for adults aged 18 and over who need reliable, daily relief from nasal allergy symptoms. Each spray delivers exactly 64 micrograms of budesonide directly into the nasal passages, and the 120-spray pack gives you a full course of treatment at an accessible price. You can explore our wider range of allergy and hay fever treatments if you need additional support alongside your nasal spray.

Benacort is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning it is available without a prescription but should be used under appropriate guidance. It is suitable for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round nasal allergy) in adults.

How Does Benacort Nasal Spray Work in the Body?

Budesonide belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids. When sprayed into the nose, it acts locally on the nasal mucosa — the lining of your nasal passages — rather than being absorbed significantly into the bloodstream. This local action is what makes it both effective and generally well tolerated for regular use.

• Budesonide binds to glucocorticoid receptors in nasal tissue cells.
• This reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
• The result is a reduction in swelling, mucus production, and the hypersensitivity response that causes sneezing and itching.
• With regular use, it also helps prevent symptoms from developing in the first place, rather than just treating them after they appear.

It is worth noting that corticosteroid nasal sprays generally need a few days of consistent use before you feel the full benefit. They are not instant-relief medicines in the same way that antihistamine tablets are, but they tend to be more effective for nasal congestion specifically.

Who Is Benacort Nasal Spray Suitable For?

Benacort 64mcg nasal spray is intended for adults aged 18 years and over. It is appropriate for people who experience nasal allergy symptoms triggered by a range of common allergens. If you have tried antihistamines and found they do not adequately control your nasal congestion, a corticosteroid nasal spray is often the next recommended step according to NHS guidance.

• Adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) triggered by grass, tree, or weed pollen.
• Adults with perennial allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites, mould spores, or animal dander.
• People who find oral antihistamines insufficient for nasal congestion.
• Those looking for a once-daily nasal treatment that can be used preventatively during allergy season.

How Does Benacort Compare to Other Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays?

How Should You Store Benacort Nasal Spray?

Store Benacort below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the bottle upright and do not freeze it. Once opened, the spray should be used within the period stated on the packaging — typically within 6 months. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children at all times. If you are managing multiple allergy treatments, our ear, nose and throat collection has further options that may complement your current regimen.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Benacort Nasal Spray and What Is It Used For?

Benacort 64 Micrograms Nasal Spray contains budesonide, a corticosteroid medicine used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in adults aged 18 and over. Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to airborne allergens, causing inflammation in the nasal passages. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. Benacort works by reducing this inflammation directly at the site of the problem — inside your nose — rather than acting throughout the whole body. It is suitable for both seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs throughout the year. The NHS recommends corticosteroid nasal sprays as a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, particularly when nasal congestion is a prominent symptom.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Benacort Nasal Spray?

Before using Benacort, it is important to check whether it is appropriate for you. Do not use this spray if any of the following apply:

• You are under 18 years of age.
• You are allergic to budesonide or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• You have an active or untreated nasal or respiratory infection.
• You have recently had nasal surgery or a nasal injury — wait until fully healed before using.
• You have tuberculosis (TB), whether active or previously treated.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Benacort if you have liver problems, as budesonide is metabolised in the liver and exposure may be increased. Also seek advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the safety of budesonide nasal spray in pregnancy should be assessed on an individual basis by a healthcare professional.

The following medicines may interact with budesonide and increase the amount in your bloodstream:

• Ketoconazole or itraconazole (antifungal medicines)
• Ritonavir or cobicistat (HIV medicines)
• Other corticosteroid medicines (including inhaled or oral steroids)

How Should You Use Benacort Nasal Spray Correctly?

Always use Benacort exactly as directed on the label or as advised by your pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Follow these steps each time you use the spray:

1. Blow your nose gently to clear the nasal passages.
2. Shake the bottle well before each use.
3. If using for the first time, or after a break of more than 7 days, prime the pump by pressing it several times until a fine mist appears.
4. Tilt your head slightly forward — do not tilt it back.
5. Close one nostril with a finger and insert the nozzle gently into the other nostril.
6. Press the pump once while breathing in slowly and gently through your nose.
7. Breathe out through your mouth.
8. Repeat in the other nostril.
9. Wipe the nozzle clean and replace the cap after use.

If you are also managing eye-related allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, you may find our eye care range helpful alongside your nasal treatment.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Benacort Nasal Spray?

Like all medicines, Benacort can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and affect the nose or throat locally.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Nasal dryness or irritation
• Unpleasant taste or smell
• Sneezing immediately after use

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Nasal ulceration (with prolonged use)
• Perforation of the nasal septum (rare, with long-term use)
• Raised intraocular pressure or glaucoma (rare)

If you experience a severe allergic reaction — including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — stop using the spray immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

How Should You Store Benacort Nasal Spray?

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep the bottle upright at all times.
• Do not freeze or expose to direct sunlight.
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label.
• Once opened, use within the period stated in the product leaflet (typically 6 months).
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicines to your pharmacy.

If you are looking for additional support during cold and flu season when nasal symptoms can worsen, our cold and flu range includes products that may help manage overlapping symptoms.