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Compare Astelin vs. Nasonex

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Azelastine and mometasone are both nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms, but they belong to different medication classes. Azelastine is an antihistamine that helps relieve nasal symptoms like runny or stuffy nose by blocking histamine, while mometasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nose. Azelastine is available as a prescription-only generic nasal spray in two strengths (0.1% and 0.15%), and the 0.15% strength is also available over the counter under the brand name Astepro Allergy. Mometasone, on the other hand, is available both as a prescription and over-the-counter under the brand name Nasonex 24HR Allergy. Azelastine is typically used twice a day, while mometasone is usually taken once daily. Common side effects of azelastine include a bitter taste, nosebleeds and sleepiness, whereas mometasone can cause headaches and nosebleeds. Unlike azelastine, mometasone does not cause drowsiness, but it may lead to more serious side effects like vision changes and slowed wound healing with long-term use.

  • Azelastine nasal spray
    Mometasone nasal spray
  • Azelastine nasal spray
    Mometasone nasal spray

  • Summary of Astelin vs. Nasonex

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Azelastine nasal spray is an antihistamine that treats allergies and nasal symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose. The 0.1% and 0.15% strengths of the azelastine nasal spray are available with a prescription for adults and children. It's sprayed into the nostrils typically twice a day. Prescription azelastine nasal spray is a lower-cost generic. Possible side effects include a bitter taste in the mouth and nasal discomfort. <br/> Note: Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray is also available over the counter under the brand name Astepro Allergy.

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

  • Indications of Astelin vs. Nasonex

    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergy symptoms related to the nose
    •Year-round allergy symptoms related to the nose - azelastine 0.15% spray only
    •Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies - azelastine 0.1% spray only
    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
    •Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
    •Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)

  • Pros and Cons of Astelin vs. Nasonex

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve nasal symptoms during allergy season
    •Might work faster than steroid nasal sprays and some oral antihistamines
    •Sprayed directly into the nose
    •Available in two different strengths (0.1% and 0.15%)
    Cons
    •Doesn't have a counter to keep track of the number of sprays you have left in the bottle
    •Can leave a bitter taste in your mouth (but it goes away)
    •Can cause sleepiness in some people
    •Might need to use twice a day
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
    •Available OTC
    •Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription
    Cons
    •Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
    •Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
    •Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
    •Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Astelin vs. Nasonex

    Common Side Effects for

    Azelastine 0.1% nasal spray:

    •Bitter taste in the mouth (20%)
    •Headache (15%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)
    •Nasal burning (4%)

    Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray:

    •Bitter taste in the mouth (4%)
    •Nasal discomfort (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (26%)
    •Viral infection (14%)
    •Sore throat (12%)
    •Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
    •Coughing (7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Period cramps (5%)
    •Muscle pain (5%)
    •Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)

  • Warnings of Astelin vs. Nasonex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nose injury and slowed wound healing
    •Fungal infection in the nose and throat
    •Vision changes
    •Risk of infection
    •Hormone changes
    •Poor growth in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Astelin vs. Nasonex

    Learn more about Azelastine nasal spray
    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray

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