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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

 

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Budesonide nasal spray

(Rhinocort Allergy)

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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 Rhinocort Allergy

Over-the-counter

Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy) is an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication 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 nasal spray (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 for Rhinocort Allergy

Pros and Cons for Rhinocort Allergy

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 for Rhinocort Allergy

  • Bloody nose (8%)
  • Sore throat (4%)

Warnings for Rhinocort Allergy

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
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Rhinocort Allergy1 nasal spray / 60 sprays of 32mcg
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