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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

 

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Flunisolide

 

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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 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

Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Flunisolide

Price Card Drug Icon
Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
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Price Card Drug Icon
Flunisolide1 nasal spray / 25ml of 0.025%
$24.74$76.99
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