Qnasl vs. Qvar RediHaler for Nasal Congestion and Asthma: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Qnasl (beclomethasone) and Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) are both corticosteroids and have the same active ingredient, but they are used differently. Qnasl is a nasal spray used to treat nasal symptoms caused by allergies, while Qvar RediHaler is an inhaler used for long-term control of asthma. Qnasl is sprayed into the nose once daily, whereas Qvar RediHaler is inhaled through the mouth twice a day. Qnasl can cause nasal discomfort and nosebleeds, while Qvar RediHaler can lead to fungal infections in the mouth and throat if you don't rinse your mouth out after use. Both medications come in two different strengths and are only available as a brand-name.

Qnasl

(beclomethasone)

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Qvar RediHaler

(beclomethasone)

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Summary for Qnasl

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 for Qnasl

Nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies

Pros and Cons for Qnasl

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 for Qnasl

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 for Qnasl

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

Summary for Qvar RediHaler

Prescription only

QVAR RediHaler, the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhaler, is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in people ages 4 years and older for the maintenance treatment of asthma. This medication is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Like other inhaled steroid medications, Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) can cause upper respiratory tract infections and oral thrush as side effects.

Indications for Qvar RediHaler

Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Qvar RediHaler

Pros

Breath-actuated inhaler; might be easier to use than metered-dose inhalers
Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
Considered safe while pregnant

Cons

Might need to use 4 inhalations daily (2 puffs twice daily)
Can take up to 2 weeks to have better control of asthma symptoms, and up to 4 weeks for full effects
Can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after each use