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Compare Nasonex vs. Rhinocort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Rhinocort (budesonide) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have some differences. Both medications are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Nasonex can be used in children as young as 2 years old for OTC use, whereas Rhinocort is approved for children 6 years and older. Nasonex is used for relief of allergy symptoms, prevention of seasonal allergies, and treatment of nasal polyps, while Rhinocort is primarily for nasal allergy symptoms. Both medications can cause side effects like nosebleeds, but Nasonex may also cause headaches and viral infections. Rhinocort might take up to 2 weeks to show full benefits, similar to Nasonex, but it has a higher maximum dose for adults. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy)
  • Mometasone nasal spray
    Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy)

  • Summary of Nasonex vs. Rhinocort 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

    Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray for adults and children age 6 years and older. It's a corticosteroid that relieves nasal allergy symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose, and sneezing. Budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) is sprayed into each nostril once per day. Side effects can include nose bleeds and irritation in the nose. This medication is available as a generic.

  • Indications of Nasonex vs. Rhinocort 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
    •Nasal allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, sneezing)

  • Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Rhinocort 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
    •First-choice medication for treating nasal allergy symptoms
    •Only used once per day
    •Available over the counter
    •Can be used for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Might cause nose bleeds
    •Might take up to 2 weeks to feel the full benefits from the medication
    •Not meant for relieving nasal symptoms related to the common cold

  • Common Side Effects of Nasonex vs. Rhinocort 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
    •Bloody nose (8%)
    •Sore throat (4%)

  • Warnings of Nasonex vs. Rhinocort 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
    •Nose bleeds, discomfort, and injury
    •Risk of infection
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye and vision problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Rhinocort Allergy

    Learn more about Mometasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Budesonide

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