Flunisolide vs. Flonase for Nasal Congestion and Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Flunisolide

fluticasone nasal spray

Summary for Flunisolide

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 for Flunisolide

Nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies (e.g., runny nose, sneezing)

Pros and Cons for Flunisolide

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 for Flunisolide

Temporary burning and stinging in the nose (45%)

Warnings for Flunisolide

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

Summary for Flonase

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Flonase

Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

Congestion
Runny nose
Sneezing
Itchy nose
Itchy, watery eyes

Pros and Cons for Flonase

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 for Flonase

Headache (7-16%)
Sore throat (6-8%)
Nosebleeds (6-7%)
Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

Warnings for Flonase

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 Flunisolide vs. Flonase

Flunisolide1 nasal spray / 25ml of 0.025%

$24.74$76.99

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Fluticasone Propionate1 nasal spray / 16g of 50mcg

$14.67$47.00

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Flunisolide vs. Flonase

Flunisolide

fluticasone nasal spray

Summary for Flunisolide

Indications for Flunisolide

Pros and Cons for Flunisolide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flunisolide

Warnings for Flunisolide

Summary for Flonase

Indications for Flonase

Pros and Cons for Flonase

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flonase

Warnings for Flonase

Prices with our coupons for Flunisolide vs. Flonase

Compare other Nasal Congestion and Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Flunisolide

fluticasone nasal spray

Summary for Flunisolide

Indications for Flunisolide

Pros and Cons for Flunisolide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flunisolide

Warnings for Flunisolide

Summary for Flonase

Indications for Flonase

Pros and Cons for Flonase

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flonase

Warnings for Flonase