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Compare Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

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

Key takeaways

Mometasone (Nasonex) and flunisolide (Nasalide) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have some differences. Mometasone is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, while flunisolide is only available by prescription. Mometasone can be used by children as young as 2 years old for OTC use, whereas flunisolide is approved for children 6 years and older. Each spray of mometasone contains 50 mcg of the medication, while each spray of flunisolide contains 25 mcg. Mometasone is used for both short-term relief of allergy symptoms and long-term treatment of nasal polyps, while flunisolide is primarily for treating nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Common side effects of both medications include headaches, nosebleeds, and nasal burning and stinging. Both medications need to be used regularly for the best results, and both are available as a lower-cost generic option.

  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Flunisolide
  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Flunisolide

  • Summary of Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

    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 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.

  • Indications of Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

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

  • Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

    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 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

  • Common Side Effects of Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

    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
    •Temporary burning and stinging in the nose (45%)

  • Warnings of Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Flunisolide

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