Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) and triamcinolone nasal spray (Nasacort) are both corticosteroids used to treat allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. They are available over-the-counter and work by reducing inflammation in your nose. However, they have some differences. Fluticasone is available in both prescription and OTC forms, while triamcinolone is only available OTC. Fluticasone comes in two formulations: fluticasone propionate and fluticasone furoate, with different dosing strengths, while triamcinolone has a single formulation. Fluticasone can be used in children as young as 2 years old with the Sensimist version, whereas triamcinolone is recommended for children 2 years and older. Side effects of both medications include headaches, nosebleeds, sore throat and cough. Both medications can slow growth in children if used for more than 2 months a year.

  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)

  • Summary of Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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

    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a nasal spray for adults and children 2 years of age and older that helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and typically lasts for 24 hours. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) doesn't have many side effects, but you might have a temporary sore throat or cough after you use it. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is available over the counter as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes
    Indications for
    •Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)

  • Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter product
    •Used once daily and can last up to 24 hours
    •Not likely to make you sleepy
    •Small, portable spray that's easy to carry and use anywhere
    Cons
    •Might take up to 1 week for some symptoms to get better
    •Might not be a good option if you have an injured nose or recently had nasal surgery
    •Might slow down the growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Not meant to be used to relieve common cold symptoms

  • Common Side Effects of Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

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

    Adults and children 12 years or older:

    •Sore throat (5%)
    •Nose bleed (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

    Children ages 4 to 12 years:

    •Flu-like symptoms (9%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Sore throat (8%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    •Tooth problems (3%)

    Children ages 2 to 5 years:

    •Headache (6%)
    •Sore throat (6%)
    •Nose bleed (5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Asthma (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    •Skin picking problem (3%)
    •Runny nose (2%)

  • Warnings of Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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
    •Nasal problems
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Slowed growth rate in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Nasacort

Compare other Nasal Congestion and Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Afrin vs FlonaseAstepro vs FlonaseAtrovent vs FlonaseAzelastine vs FlonaseClaritin vs FlonaseDymista 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
View More

Browse medications

View All

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