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Compare Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

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

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.

  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Phenylephrine eye drops
  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Phenylephrine eye drops

  • Summary of Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

    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 Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Phenylephrine eye drops are used to dilate (widen) pupils for eye exams or certain eye procedures. Side effects include temporary burning or stinging in the eye, blurry vision, and possibly raise your blood pressure. Let your provider know if your pregnant or breastfeeding because you might need to use a different medication.

  • Indications of Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes
    Indications for
    •Dilate (widen) pupils

  • Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

    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 Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Starts working quickly (within 15 minutes)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can cause eye pain and stinging
    •Dilating effects can last for up to 7 hours (or longer)
    •The 10% strength can raise blood pressure in people with certain heart or thyroid problems

  • Common Side Effects of Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary stinging or burning in your eye
    •Temporary blurry vision
    •Sensitivity to light

  • Warnings of Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

    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
    •For use in the eyes only
    •Heart problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Rebound pupil constriction

  • Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Phenylephrine

    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Phenylephrine eye drops

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