Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Flonase (fluticasone) and Qvar (beclomethasone) are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different conditions and administered differently. Flonase is a nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Qvar, on the other hand, is an inhaler used for the long-term control of asthma and is only available by prescription. Flonase is used daily and can be used for up to 6 months for adults, while Qvar is used twice a day and is not for sudden asthma attacks. Flonase can cause side effects like nosebleeds and slower growth in children, whereas Qvar can cause oral thrush and requires you to rinse your mouth after use. Both medications can raise the risk of eye problems and infections if used long-term.
Fluticasone nasal spray
Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
Fluticasone nasal spray
Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
Summary of Flonase vs. Qvar RediHaler
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 Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Prescription only
QVAR RediHaler, the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhaler, is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in people ages 4 years and older for the maintenance treatment of asthma. This medication is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Like other inhaled steroid medications, Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) can cause upper respiratory tract infections and oral thrush as side effects.
Indications of Flonase vs. Qvar RediHaler
Indications for
Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:
•Congestion
•Runny nose
•Sneezing
•Itchy nose
•Itchy, watery eyes
Indications for
•Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older
Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Qvar RediHaler
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