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Compare Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

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

Key takeaways

Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ) are both corticosteroid medications used to treat nasal symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies. They work by reducing inflammation in your nose. However, there are several differences between them. Fluticasone is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, while beclomethasone is only available by prescription. Fluticasone can be used by children as young as 2 years old, depending on the formulation, whereas beclomethasone is approved for children 6 years and older. Fluticasone is typically used once daily, while beclomethasone is used twice daily. Beclomethasone also has an additional FDA-approved use for preventing nasal polyps from regrowing after surgery, which fluticasone does not. Common side effects of fluticasone include headaches and nosebleeds, while beclomethasone may cause nasal irritation and sneezing attacks. Both medications can cause slower wound healing and vision changes with long-term use, so it's important to talk to your provider if you have concerns.

  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Beconase aq (beclomethasone)
  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Beconase aq (beclomethasone)

  • Summary of Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    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.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is a corticosteroid medication used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. In addition, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) can be used to prevent nasal polyps from regrowing after surgical removal.

  • Indications of Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes
    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergies
    •Year-round allergies
    •Non-allergic stuffy nose
    •Prevention of nasal polyp recurrence after surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Symptomatic relief can occur as soon as 3 days
    •Can be used by children as young as 6 years old
    •Since it's used directly where the inflammation is happening, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    •Doesn't make you drowsy or dizzy, compared to allergy relief pills
    •Can be used to treat long-term build-up of mucus in the throat that comes from the nose
    Cons
    •Must be used daily to work instead of on an as-needed basis
    •Doesn't have a dose counter to help you keep track of the number of sprays left in the bottle
    •Unlike allergy relief pills, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) only helps to treat nasal symptoms
    •Can cause wounds to heal slower, so may not be a good choice if you've recently had surgery on your nose. If you've had recent nose surgery, discuss with your surgeon if this medication is right for you.
    •Only available as an expensive brand name product
    •If Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is not used for 7 days, you must prime it again

  • Common Side Effects of Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal irritation (24%)
    •Sneezing attacks (4%)

  • Warnings of Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Slowed growth rate in children
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
    •Serious allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •CHANGES IN THE NASAL SEPTUM
    •DECREASED WOUND HEALING
    •VISION CHANGES

  • Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Beconase AQ

    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Beconase aq

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