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Mometasone vs. Triamcinolone

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

Key takeaways

Mometasone (Elocon) and triamcinolone (Triderm) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They work by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. However, there are several differences between the two medications. Mometasone is available in cream, ointment, and solution forms and is typically applied once daily. In contrast, triamcinolone comes in cream, ointment, lotion, and spray and is applied 2 to 4 times a day, depending on the formulation. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects for both include burning and itching and should be used for short-term treatment only, to avoid side effects like skin thinning and withdrawal symptoms. Do not apply either medication to sensitive skin areas, like the face or groin, unless directed to do so by your prescriber.

mometasone nasal spray

 

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Triamcinolone

 

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Summary for Mometasone

Prescription or over-the-counter

Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Indications for Mometasone

  • Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
  • Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
  • Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
  • Available OTC
  • Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription

Cons

  • Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
  • Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
  • Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
  • Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

  • Headache (26%)
  • Viral infection (14%)
  • Sore throat (12%)
  • Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
  • Coughing (7%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
  • Period cramps (5%)
  • Muscle pain (5%)
  • Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)

Warnings for Mometasone

  • Nose injury and slowed wound healing
  • Fungal infection in the nose and throat
  • Vision changes
  • Risk of infection
  • Hormone changes
  • Poor growth in children

Summary for Triamcinolone

Prescription only

Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat different inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema psoriasis, or skin allergies, in adults and children. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. The medication is available in various formulations, such as cream, ointment, lotion, and topical spray. Depending on the formulation, it's typically applied between 2 to 4 times a day. Side effects are rare, but can include burning, itching, and dryness at the application site.

Indications for Triamcinolone

  • Inflammatory skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Triamcinolone

Pros

  • Symptoms typically start to improve within a few days
  • Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, lotion, and spray
  • Might have less side effects compared to oral steroids that you take by mouth

Cons

  • For short-term use only
  • Children might absorb more of this medication, raising the risk of side effects
  • Needs to be applied multiple times a day

Common Side Effects for Triamcinolone

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Dry skin

Warnings for Triamcinolone

  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • Skin infection
  • Skin problems

Prices with our coupons for Mometasone vs. Triamcinolone

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Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
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Triamcinolone1 jar / 430g of 0.05%
$68.06$881.83
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