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Compare Flonase vs. Nasonex

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

Key takeaways

Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasonex (mometasone) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have several differences. Flonase is available both by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) and come in two formulations: Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate) and Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate). Nasonex, on the other hand, is available as Nasonex 24HR Allergy OTC and as a prescription generic mometasone nasal spray. Flonase can be used in children as young as 2 years old for the Sensimist version, while Nasonex can be used in children as young as 2 years old for the OTC version. Flonase is typically used for up to 6 months at a time. Prescription Nasonex can be used long-term for treating nasal polyps. Both medications can cause side effects like headaches and nosebleeds, but Nasonex has a higher reported rate of headaches (26%) compared to Flonase (7-16%).

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Fluticasone nasal spray
Mometasone nasal spray
Fluticasone nasal spray
Mometasone nasal spray

Summary of Flonase vs. Nasonex

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

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 Flonase vs. Nasonex

Indications for

Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

•Congestion
•Runny nose
•Sneezing
•Itchy nose
•Itchy, watery eyes
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 Flonase vs. Nasonex

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
•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 Flonase vs. Nasonex

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

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
•Nose injury and slowed wound healing
•Fungal infection in the nose and throat
•Vision changes
•Risk of infection
•Hormone changes
•Poor growth in children

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