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Nasonex vs. Afrin

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Afrin (oxymetazoline) are both nasal sprays, but they work differently and are used for different purposes. Nasonex is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and is used to treat allergy symptoms and nasal polyps. It can be used daily and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. On the other hand, Afrin is an alpha-1 receptor agonist that works by tightening blood vessels in your nose to relieve congestion. It provides quick relief but should not be used for more than 3 days in a row to avoid rebound congestion. Nasonex can take 1 to 2 weeks to show full effects, while Afrin works within minutes and lasts up to 12 hours. Nasonex is safe for children as young as 2 years old (OTC version), whereas Afrin is only recommended for children 6 years and older. Both medications have side effects, but Nasonex can cause headaches and nosebleeds, while Afrin might cause burning or stinging in the nose.

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mometasone nasal spray

 

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Oxymetazoline

(Afrin)

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Summary for Nasonex

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 Nasonex

  • 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 Nasonex

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 Nasonex

  • 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 Nasonex

  • 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 Afrin

Over-the-counter

Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is a nasal decongestant spray. More specifically, it's an alpha-1 receptor agonist. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is sprayed into the nostrils up to twice daily to help relieve stuffy noses. But you should avoid using it for longer than 3 days in a row because doing so can raise the risk for rebound congestion. There are oxymetazoline products for children and adults that differ in dosage, so read the label on your specific product to make sure it's appropriate for you. Some side effects of this medication might include mild burning or stinging in the nose.

Indications for Afrin

  • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

Pros and Cons for Afrin

Pros

  • Starts working within minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours
  • Typically fewer side effects than oral decongestants
  • Children's product can be used by those as young as 2 years old (check product labeling)
  • Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Some nasal spray might drip out of nose, which can be messy
  • Can't use longer than 3 days due to rebound congestion
  • Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure
  • Not recommended during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Afrin

  • Burning in the nose
  • Stinging in the nose
  • Rebound nasal congestion (if using longer than 3 days)

Warnings for Afrin

  • Rebound congestion
  • Might not be safe for people with certain medical conditions
  • For use in the nose only

Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Afrin

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Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
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Oxymetazoline1 nasal spray / 15ml of 0.05%
$10.27$10.58
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