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Compare Flonase vs. Qnasl

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

Key takeaways

Flonase (fluticasone) and Qnasl (beclomethasone) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. One key difference is that Flonase is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, while Qnasl is only available by prescription. Flonase comes in two formulations: Flonase Allergy Relief and Flonase Sensimist, with the latter being a gentler mist that is less likely to drip. Qnasl, on the other hand, uses a waterless mist that also minimizes dripping. Flonase can be used in children as young as 2 years old for the Sensimist version, whereas Qnasl is approved for children 4 years and older. Both medications can cause side effects like nosebleeds and headaches, but Qnasl does not need to be primed before first use, unlike Flonase. Additionally, Flonase has a generic form available, while Qnasl does not.

  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Qnasl (beclomethasone)
  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Qnasl (beclomethasone)

  • Summary of Flonase vs. Qnasl

    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

    Qnasl (beclomethasone) is a steroid nasal spray that works well for treating nasal symptoms caused by allergies. You spray it into your nose, typically 1-2 sprays once daily. To get the most out of the medication, you should used every day. Some of the more common side effects of Qnasl (beclomethasone) include nasal discomfort, nose bleeds, and headache.

  • Indications of Flonase vs. Qnasl

    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes
    Indications for
    •Nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies

  • Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Qnasl

    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
    •Can be used in children ages 4 years and older
    •Has fewer side effects compared to oral corticosteroids
    •Doesn't need to be primed before first use
    •Has a built-in counter to help keep track of remaining doses
    Cons
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    •Can cause nasal discomfort and nose bleeds
    •Can slow growth in children, especially if used long-term
    •Available by prescription only, unlike some other intranasal corticosteroids

  • Common Side Effects of Flonase vs. Qnasl

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

    Age 12 years and older:

    •Nasal discomfort (5%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Nose bleed (2%)

    Age 4 to less than 12 years:

    •Headache (3%)
    •Fever (3%)
    •Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (3%)
    •Sore throat and stuffy nose (2%)

  • Warnings of Flonase vs. Qnasl

    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 bleeds, discomfort, and injury
    •Slower wound healing
    •Risk of infection
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Qnasl

    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Qnasl

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