Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Tafen nasal
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The nasal aerosol drug Tafen nasal is used for diseases of the nasal cavity. The drug belongs to the category of corticosteroids for local use.
Release form
Tafen nasal is an aerosol spray for local use based on budesonide. The product has the form of a homogeneous white suspension.
The original bottle contains 10 ml of the drug, which is equal to 200 doses.
The bottle is sealed by the manufacturer in a cardboard box, which also contains instructions for the medication.
Pharmacodynamics
Tafen nasal is a glucocorticoid drug for intranasal administration, which is a first-line drug in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Tafen nasal inhibits the primary and late stages of the allergic process, eliminates the inflammatory reaction in the upper respiratory tract, and also alleviates the manifestation of rhinitis.
In case of allergic rhinitis, Tafen nasal is no less effective than glucocorticoid drugs for oral administration. The positive side is that side effects with local application of the medication are rare and do not have a systemic spread.
The active ingredient Tafen nasal is a synthetic glucocorticoid with pronounced external anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative, anti-proliferative and immunosuppressive action. When applied to the mucous membrane in recommended quantities, the drug practically does not enter the systemic circulation.
The anti-inflammatory ability of Tafen nasal is associated with the action of arachidonic acid, which inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators. Tafen nasal acts as an inhibitor of the release of bioactive components that give impetus to the development and course of the inflammatory reaction. In addition, the drug has a vasoconstrictor property.
Tafen nasal increases the number of β-adrenoreceptors in smooth muscles, inhibits histamine production. The glucocorticoid effect is complemented by a slight mineralocorticoid effect. The drug has minimal systemic effects, which is of great importance in long-term treatment.
Pharmacokinetics
The active ingredient of Tafen nasal – budesonide – is an epimeric mixture (epimer 22R and epimer 22S – 1:1).
When Tafen nasal spray is administered into the nasal cavity in an amount of 400 mcg, the maximum content in serum is detected within 0.7 hours and is 1 nmol/liter. As a rule, the signs of allergic rhinitis are significantly relieved 2-3 days after the first administration of the medication.
When Tafen Nasal is injected, about 20% of the active ingredient enters the systemic circulation. At the same time, the systemic bioavailability of budesonide is extremely low, since at least 90% of the substance entering the blood is deactivated in the liver after the "first pass" effect.
Tafen nasal is well distributed in tissues and binds to plasma proteins. The activity of glucocorticoids in the form of basic metabolic products is less than 1% of the total activity of the main ingredient Tafen nasal.
Metabolic products are excreted mainly through the urinary system. The half-life can be from 2 to 3 hours.
Dosing and administration
The medicine Tafen nasal is only allowed to be used for injection into the nasal cavity.
For adult patients and children from 6 years of age, Tafen Nasal is prescribed starting with the minimum therapeutic volume: 400 mcg/day. Usually, the daily amount is administered as follows: 2 doses (50 mcg of the drug in one dose, or in one press of the spray dispenser) in each nasal passage twice a day.
The retention dose of the drug Tafen nasal is 200 mcg/day.
The maximum single dose of Tafen Nasal is 200 mcg (two sprays in each nasal passage).
The maximum daily dose of Tafen Nasal is 400 mcg.
The duration of use of the spray is no more than 12 weeks. As a rule, the effectiveness of Tafen nasal is evident within a few days from the start of treatment.
If the next spray injection was missed, the medicine should be used as soon as possible, but no later than one hour before the next dose is due.
Treatment with Tafen Nasal is stopped slowly, gradually reducing the amount of nasal agent administered.
With adequate use of Tafen nasal, the occurrence of side effects is reduced to a minimum, with maximum effectiveness of the drug.
- Immediately before injecting Tafen Nasal, the nasal passages should be cleared using saline solution.
- The cap must be removed from the bottle and the suspension must be thoroughly mixed by shaking the container several times.
- The first injection must be made “into the air” in order to clean the sprayer.
- Next, lean forward, insert the spray into one nasal passage and point it toward the outer wall of the nasal cavity, then press the adapter and inhale the sprayed medicine. The same actions should be performed with respect to the second nasal passage.
- After spraying the required amount of Tafen Nasal, the spray nozzle must be wiped with a napkin and the removed cap must be returned to its place.
- The bottle with the medicine is stored vertically, with the cap facing up.
If the spray is not used frequently, the atomizer may become clogged. To unblock a clogged atomizer, rinse it in warm water and dry it for several minutes. After that, perform a test injection "into the air". If the spray works, the product can be used further as intended. If the atomizer is not cleared, it is necessary to repeat the cleaning procedure.
Use Tafena nasal during pregnancy
Information on the use of Tafen nasal during pregnancy is currently insufficient. Animal studies have shown that excess glucocorticoids can negatively affect the intrauterine development of the fetus. Given this, experts do not recommend using Tafen nasal during pregnancy if this drug can be replaced with another, safer one.
The medicine has the property of getting into breast milk. However, it is noted that when using the recommended volumes of Tafen nasal during breastfeeding, there is no negative effect on the baby. The possibility of prescribing Tafen nasal in each specific case is decided by the doctor.
Contraindications
Tafen Nasal should not be used if the patient has had cases of hypersensitivity to the components of the spray. Additional contraindications may include:
- fungal, microbial or viral lesions of the respiratory organs;
- active phase of pulmonary tuberculosis;
- subatrophic form of rhinitis;
- pediatric patients under 6 years of age.
Side effects Tafena nasal
The use of Tafen Nasal can provoke the appearance of certain side effects, for example:
- allergies;
- subcutaneous hemorrhages;
- increased intraocular pressure;
- increased nasal discharge, dry nose, sneezing, nosebleeds, hoarseness, bronchospasm, fungal infections of the nasal cavity;
- dizziness, feeling of fatigue;
- anxiety, sleep disorders, irritability;
- dry mouth, olfactory disorder;
- suppression of adrenal cortex function;
- osteoporosis, demineralization of the skeletal system.
As a rule, the majority of side effects develop with prolonged use of Tafen nasal.
Overdose
In case of accidental overdose of Tafen nasal, any specific acute symptoms rarely occur. Only with prolonged use of large quantities of the drug can side effects worsen, including systemic ones - in the form of deterioration of the functionality of the adrenal glands and hypercorticism phenomena.
In very large quantities, Tafen nasal can cause narrowing of the bronchial lumen.
There is no specific treatment for these conditions. Supportive symptomatic medications are usually used.
Interactions with other drugs
Experts have not conducted studies on drug interactions of Tafen nasal spray. Since CYP3A4 is involved in metabolic processes, inhibitor drugs can provoke an increase in the content of budesonide in the blood serum. Such drugs include Ketoconazole, Intraconazole, Cyclosporine. Even given the lack of information, it is not recommended to combine the listed medications with Tafen nasal.
Increased serum budesonide levels have been observed in female patients receiving estrogen-containing drugs and steroid oral contraceptives.
During treatment with Tafen nasal, ACTH testing for pituitary insufficiency may be uninformative, as changes in adrenal function may result in an erroneous result.
Shelf life
Store packages of Tafen Nasal for up to 2 years.
[ 17 ]
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Tafen nasal" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.