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Compare Flovent vs. Flunisolide

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

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and flunisolide are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different conditions and administered differently. Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid used to manage asthma in people 4 years and older. It helps reduce lung inflammation and is taken twice daily using either an HFA or Diskus inhaler. In contrast, flunisolide is a nasal spray used to treat nasal allergy symptoms like congestion and sneezing in people 6 years and older. Flunisolide is typically used two to three times a day. While Flovent is available in a lower-cost generic form, flunisolide is also available as a generic but is not the same as Flonase (fluticasone), another common nasal spray. Flovent requires you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent thrush, whereas flunisolide may cause temporary nasal burning and stinging. Both medications need to be used consistently for the best results and have potential side effects related to long-term use, such as altered hormone levels and delayed growth in children.

  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Flunisolide
  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Flunisolide

  • Summary of Flovent vs. Flunisolide

    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
    Prescription only

    Flunisolide is a steroid nasal spray for seasonal or year-round allergies. It treats allergy symptoms that are related to the nose, such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. This medication is for people 6 years and older. Depending on your age, the dosage is 1 or 2 sprays into each nostril a few times a day. The most common side effect is temporary burning and stinging in the nose. The brand name Nasalide is discontinued, but generic flunisolide is still available.

  • Indications of Flovent vs. Flunisolide

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    Indications for
    •Nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies (e.g., runny nose, sneezing)

  • Pros and Cons of Flovent vs. Flunisolide

    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
    •A non-drowsy allergy medication
    •Okay for children 6 years and older to use
    •Has fewer side effects than steroid pills that are taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Need to use regularly to get the most benefit from the medication
    •Doesn't help with other allergy symptoms, like watery, itchy eyes or sore throat
    •Not available over the counter

  • Common Side Effects of Flovent vs. Flunisolide

    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
    •Temporary burning and stinging in the nose (45%)

  • Warnings of Flovent vs. Flunisolide

    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
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Risk of infection
    •Slowed wound healing
    •Delayed growth in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Flovent vs. Flunisolide

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