Flonase vs. Allegra: 7 Differences Between These Allergy Medications

Flonase (fluticasone) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are popular over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. Both are commonly used to help relieve runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. But several characteristics distinguish the two medications. For example, Flonase is a nasal spray, and Allegra is an oral medication.

Below are seven differences to keep in mind when comparing Flonase versus Allegra for allergies.

1. Flonase and Allegra work differently

One of the biggest differences between Flonase and Allegra is how they work to relieve allergy symptoms.

Flonase is a corticosteroid (steroid) nasal spray. It works by calming your immune response to allergens (substances you’re allergic to). This helps reduce inflammation (swelling) in the nose, sinuses, and eyes. And less swelling means fewer allergy symptoms, such as runny nose and sneezing.

Allegra is a third-generation (newer) antihistamine. It blocks the actions of histamine, a chemical that your body releases after you’re exposed to allergens. Histamine causes common allergy symptoms. By blocking this chemical, Allegra helps relieve symptoms.

Good to know: Flonase and Allegra both work well for allergy relief and prevention. But Flonase works better in the long run, especially if your symptoms are persistent or more severe.

2. Flonase is a nasal spray, while Allegra is an oral medication

Another big difference between Flonase and Allegra is the dosage forms they come in. Flonase is a nasal spray, and Allegra is an oral medication.

Flonase comes in two forms: Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate) and Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate). These versions of Flonase are very similar. But Flonase Sensimist provides a finer, gentler mist. It’s also safe to use for children ages 2 and older (compared with 4 and older for Flonase Allergy Relief).

Allegra comes in the following dosage forms:

• Oral tablets — for ages 12 and older

• Oral capsules — for ages 12 and older

• Orally disintegrating tablets — for ages 6 and older

• Oral suspension (liquid) — for ages 2 and older

3. Allegra starts working faster than Flonase

How fast Flonase and Allegra start working is another thing to consider when comparing them. Allegra provides allergy relief faster than Flonase.

Allegra starts working 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose. And it lasts for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the dosage form you have. What’s more, Allegra can help prevent allergy symptoms if you take it daily.

Flonase takes longer to start working. So you shouldn’t use it if you need a fast-acting allergy medication. Some people may notice initial symptom reduction within 2 to 4 hours of using it. But it can take up to 2 weeks to see its full effects. Flonase is a once-daily medication that should keep working for up to 24 hours.

4. Allegra can also help with hives

Allegra can treat more than seasonal allergies. It’s also helpful for managing chronic hives.

Histamine plays a role in causing hives. So by blocking histamine, Allegra can help lessen this symptom. In fact, newer antihistamines, including Allegra, are first-choice medications for managing chronic hives.

Flonase’s effects are limited to the areas in and around the nose. So it doesn’t help treat hives.

Good to know: There is a product available called Allegra Hives. This version of Allegra contains the same active ingredient as other Allegra tablets. Either Allegra product would work similarly well for hives.

5. Flonase can also be helpful for sinus infections

Flonase also has extra uses beyond allergy management. It’s one of the recommended treatments for managing sinusitis (a sinus infection).

Flonase’s ability to reduce inflammation is helpful for sinus infections. This helps relieve sinus pressure and pain caused by the illness. But remember, Flonase takes some time to work. So consider using it alongside other sinus infection treatments, such as pain relievers and saline rinses.

Allegra isn’t typically recommended for sinus infections, and it can actually worsen symptoms. So you shouldn’t use it for this illness unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so.

6. Flonase and Allegra have different side effects

Potential side effects are another thing to keep in mind when comparing Flonase and Allegra. Both medications are well tolerated. And many people use them with no issues. But it’s still good to know what to expect.

The table below highlights notable side effects of Flonase and Allegra.

*Allegra is the antihistamine with the lowest risk of drowsiness. But some people may be more sensitive to this side effect than others.

These aren’t full lists of all potential side effects for Flonase and Allegra. Discuss the potential risks for each medication with a healthcare professional before starting either.

7. Flonase and Allegra interact with different substances

Interactions are another difference to consider. Flonase and Allegra both interact with oral ketoconazole. But this is where the similarities stop.

Flonase also interacts with:

• Long-term use of ritonavir (Norvir) and medications that contain it, such as Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)

• Clarithromycin (Biaxin XL)

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

• Nefazodone

Allegra interacts with:

• Orange, apple, and grapefruit juice

• Green tea

• Antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum

• Apalutamide (Erleada)

• Oral erythromycin (Ery-Tab)

These aren’t the only possible interactions for Flonase and Allegra. Share a full medication list with a pharmacist, who can check for interactions. Be sure to include all prescription and OTC medications, as well as vitamins and supplements, on this list.

Can you use Flonase and Allegra at the same time?

Yes, you can use Flonase and Allegra at the same time, but most people don’t need to. Flonase is usually more effective than Allegra, especially for persistent allergies. And studies suggest combining them doesn’t provide much additional benefit.

But taking Allegra when you’re first starting Flonase can help provide symptom relief until Flonase kicks in. Once it’s fully working, try stopping your Allegra to see if Flonase is working well enough.

Pharmacist tip: If Flonase doesn’t help enough on its own, try adding the antihistamine nasal spray Astepro (azelastine). A combination of a steroid and an antihistamine nasal spray may provide more relief than either medication does on its own.

How to save on Flonase and Allegra

There are ways to save on Flonase and Allegra. Both are available as brand-name medications and lower-cost generics.

If a licensed healthcare professional writes you a prescription for OTC Flonase or Allegra, GoodRx can help you save.

• Save on fexofenadine with GoodRx: GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price. The price of 30 tablets of fexofenadine (generic Allegra) 180 mg at certain pharmacies is as low as $8.33 with a free GoodRx discount.

• Save on brand-name Allegra with a manufacturer coupon: If you’re purchasing brand-name Allegra without a prescription, the manufacturer has a $4 coupon available, which you can have emailed to you.

• Save on Flonase with GoodRx: GoodRx can help you save over 50% off the average retail price. The price of generic Flonase Allergy Relief at certain pharmacies is as low as $19.85 with a free GoodRx discount. Flonase Sensimist’s price at certain pharmacies may be as low as $28.85. And the prescription version of fluticasone propionate may cost as little as $14.66.

• Save on Flonase with a manufacturer coupon: If you’re purchasing brand-name Flonase without a prescription, the manufacturer has a $4 coupon available, which you can have emailed to you.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, MBA, MHA

Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, MBA, MHA, has over 25 years of experience working in healthcare. She is registered as a licensed pharmacist in Georgia, Indiana, and Tennessee.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts