Key takeaways
Flonase (fluticasone) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in your nose to relieve symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It is available both by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). On the other hand, Allegra is an antihistamine taken orally that blocks histamine to ease symptoms like itchiness, runny nose, and hives. Allegra is available OTC in various forms, including tablets and liquid. Flonase must be used daily for the best results, while Allegra can be taken once or twice a day depending on the formulation. Flonase can cause side effects like nosebleeds and sore throat, whereas Allegra might cause headaches and dry mouth. Additionally, Flonase is safe for children as young as 2 years old in some formulations, while Allegra's once-daily formulations are not recommended for children under 12 years old.
