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Compare Flovent vs. Flonase

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

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and Flonase (fluticasone) are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different conditions and administered differently. Flovent is an inhaled medication used to manage asthma by reducing lung inflammation and keeping airways open. It is available only by prescription and must be used twice daily. In contrast, Flonase is a nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. Flonase can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription and is typically used once daily. While Flovent is not suitable for treating sudden asthma attacks, Flonase is not recommended for use if you have a nasal injury or recent surgery. Both medications can cause side effects, but Flovent may lead to oral thrush if you don't rinse your mouth after use, whereas Flonase can cause nosebleeds and nasal irritation. Additionally, Flonase has a gentler version called Flonase Sensimist, which is suitable for younger children.

  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Fluticasone nasal spray
  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Fluticasone nasal spray

  • Summary of Flovent vs. Flonase

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Flovent vs. Flonase

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes

  • Pros and Cons of Flovent vs. Flonase

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Flovent vs. Flonase

    Common Side Effects for

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

  • Warnings of Flovent vs. Flonase

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Flovent vs. Flonase

    Learn more about Flovent
    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray

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