Flovent vs. Allegra for Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are used for different health conditions. Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid used to manage asthma by reducing lung inflammation and keeping airways open. It is taken twice daily and is not a rescue inhaler for sudden asthma attacks. On the other hand, Allegra is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms and hives. It is available over-the-counter in various forms, including tablets and liquid, and is typically taken once a day. Flovent requires a prescription, while Allegra does not. Both medications have generic versions available. Flovent works by mimicking cortisol to reduce inflammation, while Allegra blocks histamine to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Flovent

(fluticasone)

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Fexofenadine

(Allegra)

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Summary for Flovent

Prescription only

Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used in people 4 years and older with asthma. It helps keep lung inflammation low and the airways open. This inhaler is used twice per day. When used every day, Flovent (fluticasone) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. It's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started.

Indications for Flovent

Maintenance treatment of asthma

Pros and Cons for Flovent

Pros

Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
Has few side effects since the medication is directly inhaled into the lungs
Available as two different types of inhalers (HFA inhaler and Diskus inhaler)
Lower-cost generic available for Flovent HFA

Cons

Need to use twice per day
Need to rinse your mouth after each use to prevent fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
Can't use Flovent Diskus if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose

Common Side Effects for Flovent

In general, common side effects for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are very similar:

Throat irritation
Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold)
Sinus infection or swelling
Headache
Cough
Voice hoarseness or difficulty speaking

Warnings for Flovent

Fungal infection in the mouth
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
Severe allergic reactions
Altered stress hormone levels
Delayed growth in children
Eye and vision problems

Summary for Allegra

Over-the-counter

Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine. It's used to ease symptoms of allergy and hives in adults and children. Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be found over the counter as a tablet, fast-melting tablet, and liquid. This medication is taken once or twice per day, depending on the formulation. Fexofenadine (Allegra) starts to work in about 2 hours and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Fexofenadine (Allegra) doesn't make you as drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra) include headache and dry mouth.

Indications for Allegra

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
Treatment of hives

Pros and Cons for Allegra

Pros

First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
Some products can also be used to relieve itchiness from hives.
Available as 12-hour and 24-hour tablets, as well as a liquid and quick-dissolving tablets for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
All formulations available over the counter

Cons

Liquid form might not be the best choice for people on a low-salt diet because it contains sodium
Once-daily formulations not recommended for children younger than 12 years old
Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
Can cause headache