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Compare Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

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

Key takeaways

Flunisolide (Nasalide) and Asmanex (mometasone) are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different conditions and administered differently. Flunisolide is a nasal spray used to treat nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies in people 6 years and older. It helps reduce inflammation in the nose to relieve symptoms like congestion and sneezing. On the other hand, Asmanex is an inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 4 years and older. It works by reducing lung inflammation to keep airways open and prevent asthma attacks. Flunisolide is typically used twice daily, while Asmanex can be used once or twice daily depending on the type of inhaler and the prescribed dose. Flunisolide is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Asmanex is available in two forms: HFA inhaler and Twisthaler. Additionally, Asmanex Twisthaler contains lactose, which can be an issue for those allergic to milk proteins. Both medications have side effects related to their corticosteroid nature, such as potential growth delays in children and altered stress hormone levels, but they target different parts of the respiratory system.

  • Flunisolide
    Asmanex (mometasone)
  • Flunisolide
    Asmanex (mometasone)

  • Summary of Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

    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.

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    Asmanex, also known by its generic name, mometasone furoate, is a steroid inhaler used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. Asmanex HFA is approved for people ages 5 years and older, and is inhaled through the mouth twice daily. Asmanex Twisthaler is for people ages 4 years and older, and is inhaled once to twice daily. Some common side effects include headache, runny nose, and sore throat.

  • Indications of Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

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

  • Pros and Cons of Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

    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
    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
    •Available as two different (HFA inhaler and Twisthaler)
    •Twisthaler typically used once per day (in most cases)
    •Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    Cons
    •Must use every day for it to work well
    •Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
    •Can take over 2 weeks before your symptoms improve
    •Can't use the Twisthaler if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose

  • Common Side Effects of Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning and stinging in the nose (45%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Asmanex Twisthaler

    •Headache (up to 22%)
    •Allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy nose, watery or itchy eyes; up to 15%)
    •Sore throat (up to 13%)
    •Sinus infection (up to 6%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 8%)
    •Oral thrush (up to 6%)

    Asmanex HFA Inhaler

    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Risk of infection
    •Slowed wound healing
    •Delayed growth in children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsened breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Weakening bones
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Flunisolide vs. Asmanex HFA

    Learn more about Flunisolide
    Learn more about Asmanex

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