Nasacort vs. Flonase for Allergies: 8 Ways These Nasal Sprays Compare

Allergy symptoms can be frustrating to deal with. A runny nose, sneezing, or nasal congestion can make even the simplest daily activities feel like a challenge.

Many people 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.

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.

The traditional version of Flonase is called Flonase Allergy Relief. But there is also another formulation called Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate). 

The key difference between Flonase and Flonase Sensimist is how the body processes each version 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:

3. Both are safe for kids, but their minimum age ranges differ

Nasacort and Flonase are FDA 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, such as during allergy season.

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. Nasacort isn’t approved for this use. This might 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 spray 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’s side effects 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

• Slowed growth rate in children

• 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 a 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, though. Healthcare professionals generally don’t recommend using 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 medication 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 or indefinite use, especially when purchased OTC. 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 might recommend you continue using these nasal sprays with monitoring. They can also help you identify another option to relieve your allergy symptoms.

How to choose between Flonase and Nasacort

Choosing between Flonase and Nasacort largely depends on your symptoms and personal needs.

Not all allergy symptoms are the same. Flonase helps with certain eye-related symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, while Nasacort does not. So, if you notice allergy symptoms that affect your eyes, Flonase might be a better option.

If you find that your nose is sensitive to nasal sprays, you might prefer Flonase Sensimist. It’s a gentle, soft mist that might be more comfortable for everyday use.

Both nasal sprays are generally safe to use with most medications. Even so, it’s smart to check with a healthcare professional before starting either one. They can review your current medications and other health conditions to make sure there aren’t any interactions or side effects to watch for.

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Written by:

Sheila Marie, PharmD

Sheila Marie, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Virginia, New York, and the District of Columbia. She has worked in the pharmacy industry for 12 years and currently works as a community pharmacist.

Written by:

Arnisha Carter, PharmD, BCPS

Arnisha Carter, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She’s worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and began writing for GoodRx in 2024.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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