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Compare Nasonex vs. Allegra

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Nasonex is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation and swelling in the nose, while Allegra is an oral antihistamine that blocks histamine to relieve symptoms like itchiness and runny nose. Nasonex is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, whereas Allegra is only available over-the-counter. Nasonex can take 1 to 2 weeks to show full effects, but Allegra starts working in about 2 hours. Nasonex is used for both short-term and long-term treatment, including nasal polyps, while Allegra is used for short-term relief of allergy symptoms and hives. Common side effects of Nasonex include headache and nosebleeds, whereas Allegra can cause headache and dry mouth.

  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Fexofenadine (Allegra)

  • Summary of Nasonex vs. Allegra

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    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).

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine. It's used to ease symptoms of allergy and hives in adults and children. Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be found over the counter as a tablet, fast-melting tablet, and liquid. This medication is taken once or twice per day, depending on the formulation. Fexofenadine (Allegra) starts to work in about 2 hours and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Fexofenadine (Allegra) doesn't make you as drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra) include headache and dry mouth.

  • Indications of Nasonex vs. Allegra

    Indications for
    •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)
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
    •Treatment of hives

  • Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Allegra

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Some products can also be used to relieve itchiness from hives.
    •Available as 12-hour and 24-hour tablets, as well as a liquid and quick-dissolving tablets for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
    •All formulations available over the counter
    Cons
    •Liquid form might not be the best choice for people on a low-salt diet because it contains sodium
    •Once-daily formulations not recommended for children younger than 12 years old
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause headache

  • Common Side Effects of Nasonex vs. Allegra

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache

  • Warnings of Nasonex vs. Allegra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nose injury and slowed wound healing
    •Fungal infection in the nose and throat
    •Vision changes
    •Risk of infection
    •Hormone changes
    •Poor growth in children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablet only

  • Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Allegra

    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Fexofenadine

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