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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

 

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Nasacort

(triamcinolone acetonide)

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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 Nasacort Allergy

Over-the-counter

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 for Nasacort Allergy

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

Pros and Cons for Nasacort Allergy

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 for Nasacort Allergy

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 for Nasacort Allergy

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

Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Nasacort Allergy

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Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
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Nasacort Allergy1 nasal spray / 120 sprays
$12.25$21.69
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