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Compare Nasonex vs. Qnasl

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Qnasl (beclomethasone) 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 Qnasl is only available by prescription. Nasonex can be used by children as young as 2 years old for OTC use, whereas Qnasl is approved for children 4 years and older. Each spray of Nasonex contains 50 mcg of mometasone, while Qnasl offers 80 mcg per spray for adults and 40 mcg per spray for children. Nasonex is used for both short-term allergy relief and long-term treatment of nasal polyps, while Qnasl is specifically for treating nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Both medications can cause side effects like nosebleeds and headaches, but Qnasl has a built-in counter to help you keep track of doses, which Nasonex lacks. Additionally, Qnasl's waterless mist formulation makes it less likely to drip down your throat compared to other nasal sprays.

  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Qnasl (beclomethasone)
  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Qnasl (beclomethasone)

  • Summary of Nasonex vs. Qnasl

    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

    Qnasl (beclomethasone) is a steroid nasal spray that works well for treating nasal symptoms caused by allergies. You spray it into your nose, typically 1-2 sprays once daily. To get the most out of the medication, you should used every day. Some of the more common side effects of Qnasl (beclomethasone) include nasal discomfort, nose bleeds, and headache.

  • Indications of Nasonex vs. Qnasl

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Qnasl

    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
    •Can be used in children ages 4 years and older
    •Has fewer side effects compared to oral corticosteroids
    •Doesn't need to be primed before first use
    •Has a built-in counter to help keep track of remaining doses
    Cons
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    •Can cause nasal discomfort and nose bleeds
    •Can slow growth in children, especially if used long-term
    •Available by prescription only, unlike some other intranasal corticosteroids

  • Common Side Effects of Nasonex vs. Qnasl

    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

    Age 12 years and older:

    •Nasal discomfort (5%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Nose bleed (2%)

    Age 4 to less than 12 years:

    •Headache (3%)
    •Fever (3%)
    •Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (3%)
    •Sore throat and stuffy nose (2%)

  • Warnings of Nasonex vs. Qnasl

    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
    •Nose bleeds, discomfort, and injury
    •Slower wound healing
    •Risk of infection
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Qnasl

    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Qnasl

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