Key takeaways
Flonase (fluticasone) and phenylephrine eye drops are used for different purposes and belong to different medication classes. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It works by reducing inflammation in your nose. Phenylephrine eye drops, on the other hand, are an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist used to dilate your pupils for eye exams or procedures. Flonase is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, while phenylephrine eye drops are prescription-only. Flonase can be used daily but should not be used for more than 6 months without consulting a healthcare professional, whereas phenylephrine eye drops are used as needed, typically up to 3 drops per eye. Flonase can cause side effects like nosebleeds and headaches, while phenylephrine eye drops can cause temporary stinging, blurry vision, and may raise blood pressure, especially in higher doses.
