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Compare Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Nasacort (triamcinolone) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have some differences. Nasonex is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, while Nasacort is only available OTC. Nasonex can be used to prevent seasonal allergies and treat nasal polyps, whereas Nasacort is primarily for relieving hay fever and allergy symptoms. Each spray of Nasonex contains 50 mcg of mometasone, while Nasacort contains 55 mcg of triamcinolone. Both medications can be used in children as young as 2 years old. Both medications can cause side effects like nosebleeds, sore throat, and headaches. Additionally, both medications may take 1 to 2 weeks to show full effects.

  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)

  • Summary of Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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

    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a nasal spray for adults and children 2 years of age and older that helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and typically lasts for 24 hours. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) doesn't have many side effects, but you might have a temporary sore throat or cough after you use it. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is available over the counter as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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
    •Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)

  • Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter product
    •Used once daily and can last up to 24 hours
    •Not likely to make you sleepy
    •Small, portable spray that's easy to carry and use anywhere
    Cons
    •Might take up to 1 week for some symptoms to get better
    •Might not be a good option if you have an injured nose or recently had nasal surgery
    •Might slow down the growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Not meant to be used to relieve common cold symptoms

  • Common Side Effects of Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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

    Adults and children 12 years or older:

    •Sore throat (5%)
    •Nose bleed (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

    Children ages 4 to 12 years:

    •Flu-like symptoms (9%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Sore throat (8%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    •Tooth problems (3%)

    Children ages 2 to 5 years:

    •Headache (6%)
    •Sore throat (6%)
    •Nose bleed (5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Asthma (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    •Skin picking problem (3%)
    •Runny nose (2%)

  • Warnings of Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

    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
    •Nasal problems
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Slowed growth rate in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Nasacort

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