Skip to main content

Compare
Flonase vs. Azelastine

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

Key takeaways

Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) and azelastine nasal spray (Astepro) are both used to treat nasal symptoms from allergies, such as a runny or stuffy nose. However, they belong to different medication classes. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nose, while azelastine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine to relieve symptoms. Fluticasone is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, whereas azelastine is primarily available by prescription, with an over-the-counter option for the 0.15% strength. Fluticasone is typically used once a day, while azelastine is usually taken twice a day. Common side effects of fluticasone include headaches and nosebleeds, while azelastine may cause a bitter taste and sleepiness. Fluticasone can slow growth in children and may increase the risk of eye problems, while azelastine can cause drowsiness, so you should avoid alcohol and be cautious when driving.

fluticasone nasal spray

 

Get free coupons

azelastine nasal spray

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Flonase

Prescription or over-the-counter

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

Indications for Flonase

Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes

Pros and Cons for Flonase

Pros

  • Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
  • Available OTC
  • Some formulations have generic versions
  • Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
  • Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old

Cons

  • Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
  • Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
  • Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
  • Can raise the risk for certain eye problems

Common Side Effects for Flonase

  • Headache (7-16%)
  • Sore throat (6-8%)
  • Nosebleeds (6-7%)
  • Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

Warnings for Flonase

  • Nasal problems
  • Slowed growth rate in children
  • Eye problems
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
  • Serious allergic reactions

Summary for Azelastine

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.

Note: Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray is also available over the counter under the brand name Astepro Allergy.

Indications for Azelastine

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Azelastine

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

Common Side Effects for Azelastine

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%)

Warnings for Azelastine

  • Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating

Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Azelastine

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Propionate1 nasal spray / 16g of 50mcg
$14.67$47.00
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Azelastine1 nasal spray / 30ml of 137mcg/spray
$19.97$33.36
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Afrin vs. FlonaseAstepro vs. FlonaseAtrovent vs. FlonaseAzelastine vs. FlonaseClaritin vs. Flonase
Dymista vs. FlonaseFlonase vs. Advil-allergy-and-congestion-reliefFlonase vs. AllegraFlonase vs. AzelastineFlonase vs. Beconase-aqFlonase vs. BenadrylFlonase vs. Claritin-dFlonase vs. Dimetapp-cold-and-allergyFlonase vs. FlunisolideFlonase vs. MucinexFlonase vs. Nasacort-allergyFlonase vs. Nasacort-aqFlonase vs. NasonexFlonase vs. Nyquil-cold-and-fluFlonase vs. PhenylephrineFlonase vs. QnaslFlonase vs. QvarFlonase vs. Rhinocort-aquaFlonase vs. ZyrtecFlovent vs. FlonaseNasalcrom vs. FlonasePatanase vs. FlonaseRyaltris vs. FlonaseSingulair vs. FlonaseSudafed vs. Flonase

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.