Nasacort vs. Flonase for Allergies: 8 Ways These Nasal Sprays Compare
Key takeaways:
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are two over-the-counter (OTC) corticosteroid nasal sprays. They're both first-choice options for treating allergy symptoms, but they have several differences.
Nasacort and Flonase are both FDA approved to treat nasal allergy symptoms, like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. But Flonase can also treat eye-related symptoms, such as itchy or watery eyes.
Nasacort and Flonase differ in their recommended dosages, approved age ranges, and side effects. Flonase is also safe to use in pregnancy, while Nasacort is not.
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Table of contents
Allergy symptoms are frustrating to deal with. A runny nose, sneezing, or nasal congestion can make even the simplest daily activities feel like a challenge.
Some may reach for an allergy pill, but nasal sprays are an effective first-choice option. Two popular over-the-counter (OTC) options are Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate). Both are corticosteroid (steroid) nasal sprays, but they aren’t one and the same.
So, how do Nasacort and Flonase compare for allergy relief? Below, we’ll cover eight key points to help you decide which option might be right for you.
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1. Nasacort and Flonase are both nasal steroids, but they have different active ingredients
Nasacort and Flonase are nasal steroids that contain different active ingredients. Nasacort contains a steroid called triamcinolone, while Flonase contains one called fluticasone.
Although Nasacort and Flonase have different ingredients, both are considered first-choice medications for allergies. They each work by lessening inflammation in your nasal passages. This helps to relieve symptoms by reducing the irritation and swelling caused by allergens.
Good to know: One nasal steroid spray isn’t necessarily better than the other. Studies show that Nasacort and Flonase are similarly effective for relieving moderate-to-severe allergy symptoms.
2. Flonase comes in more forms than Nasacort
Nasacort and Flonase are available OTC in both brand-name and generic forms. But Flonase actually comes in two different versions.
In addition to the traditional version of Flonase — called Flonase Allergy Relief — there is another formulation called Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate). The key difference between Flonase and Flonase Sensimist is how the body processes each form of fluticasone. Flonase Sensimist is more potent so it works at a lower dose. Flonase Sensimist also has a gentler mist for people who are more sensitive to nasal sprays.
Here’s a breakdown of the available forms and their doses:
Medication name | Active ingredient | Dose |
Nasacort Allergy | Triamcinolone acetonide | 55 mcg |
Flonase Allergy Relief | Fluticasone propionate | 50 mcg |
Flonase Sensimist | Fluticasone furoate | 27.5 mcg |
3. Both are safe for kids, but their minimum age ranges differ
Nasacort and Flonase are approved for slightly different age groups. Nasacort is approved for adults and children as young as 2 years old. Traditional Flonase is approved for adults and children ages 4 years and older, while Flonase Sensimist is approved for children as young as 2.
Flonase’s manufacturer also sells two products that are made specifically for kids. They’re marketed as Children’s Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate) and Children’s Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief (fluticasone furoate). These products contain the same medication and dose as adult Flonase products, but the devices are slightly smaller.
4. Nasacort and Flonase have different dosages
Nasacort and Flonase work best when used regularly (rather than only when symptoms appear). But to avoid side effects, you should only use them for as long as they’re needed, like during allergy season.
Other alternatives: Nasacort and Flonase aren't the only nasal sprays on the market. Learn more about other over-the-counter nasal sprays for treating allergies.
Navigating allergies during pregnancy: Some allergy medications are unsafe to use when you're expecting. Find out which nasal allergy sprays are recommended during pregnancy — and which to avoid.
A non-steroid nasal spray: Astepro is an antihistamine nasal spray. Here's what to know about Astepro and how it compares to other allergy nasal sprays.
The recommended Nasacort Allergy dosages are as follows:
Adults and children ages 12 years or older: Spray 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. When allergy symptoms improve, lower the dose to 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
Children ages 6-11: Spray 1 spray in each nostril once daily. If symptoms don’t improve, you may raise the dosage to 2 sprays in each nostril once daily until symptoms get better.
Children ages 2-5: Spray 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
The recommended Flonase dosages are as follows:
Adults and children ages 12 and older: Spray 2 sprays in each nostril once a day for 1 week. Then, spray 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily for up to 6 months. After 6 months, talk with a healthcare professional about whether you should keep using Flonase.
Children ages 4-11 (Flonase Allergy Relief): Spray 1 spray in each nostril once daily for the shortest amount of time needed. After 2 months, speak to a healthcare professional about whether your child should keep using Flonase.
Children ages 2-11 (Flonase Sensimist): Spray 1 spray in each nostril once daily for the shortest amount of time needed. After 2 months, speak to a healthcare professional about whether your child should keep using Flonase Sensimist.
5. Both medications address nasal symptoms, but Flonase also treats allergy-related eye symptoms
Nasacort and Flonase are effective at relieving common nasal allergy symptoms. This most often includes congestion, sneezing, and an itchy, runny nose. But Flonase is also an option to treat itchy and watery eyes, for which Nasacort isn’t FDA approved. This may make Flonase the better option for people who experience both nasal and eye-related allergy symptoms.
Good to know: Flonase should only be administered into the nose. Do not administer it into your eyes.
6. Nasacort and Flonase have similar side effects overall
Nasacort and Flonase are generally well tolerated. But like all medications, you may have some side effects. Nasacort and Flonase’s side effects are generally the same, with the most common being:
Headache
Nosebleed
Sore throat
Upset stomach
Coughing or wheezing
Nasacort and Flonase can also cause some rare, but serious risks, including:
Higher risk of infection
Vision changes
Septum perforation (a hole that forms in the tissue between your two nostrils)
Stress hormone problems
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions)
What’s more, Nasacort could lead to other side effects in children. These side effects include dental problems in children ages 4 to 12 and skin-picking in children ages 2 to 5.
If you experience any worrisome side effects from either medication, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
7. Nasacort isn’t the best option during pregnancy
Most nasal steroid sprays, including Flonase, are safe to use during pregnancy. Nasacort is one of the few exceptions; healthcare professionals generally don’t recommend it if you’re pregnant. A study found that Nasacort was linked to a risk of respiratory birth defects, but more studies are needed to confirm this risk.
If you're pregnant and experiencing allergy symptoms, it's a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help you choose a safe medication to relieve your symptoms.
8. Neither one is meant for chronic use
Steroid nasal sprays are effective for the short-term relief of allergy symptoms. They’re not intended for long-term use. This is because you increase your risk of side effects when you use it chronically.
Flonase can be safely used for up to 6 months at a time in adults and children ages 12 and older. It can be used for up to 2 months at a time in children ages 2 to 11. Nasacort’s main restriction is that it shouldn’t be used for more than 2 months out of the year in kids.
If you find that you need to use these nasal sprays beyond the recommended length of time, it's important to reach out to a healthcare professional. They may recommend you continue using these nasal sprays with monitoring. They may also help you find another option to relieve your allergy symptoms.
Can you combine Nasacort and Flonase?
No, you shouldn’t combine Nasacort and Flonase. They both contain a corticosteroid. Using both raises the risk of side effects, and it won’t help your symptoms any more. If needed, it’s better to use a steroid-free nasal spray along with Nasacort or Flonase. One option is Astepro Allergy (azelastine), an OTC antihistamine nasal spray.
The bottom line
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are two popular over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays. They’re both considered first-choice medications for relieving allergy symptoms, but they have some key differences.
Nasacort and Flonase are different in their active ingredients, available formulations, and the allergy symptoms they’re approved to treat. They also have different approved age ranges and side effects. A healthcare professional may also recommend different lengths of use for each. Talk with a healthcare professional if you have any questions about Nasacort versus Flonase.
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References
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