Key takeaways:
Rhinocort (budesonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are steroid nasal sprays available as over-the-counter and prescription versions. They’re both first-choice medications for treating nasal allergy symptoms.
Flonase is approved for a wider age range than Rhinocort. It also has more package sizes and formulations to choose from. Rhinocort is the preferred option during pregnancy.
You shouldn’t use Rhinocort and Flonase together or with any other steroid nasal spray. But it’s fine to combine them with other non-steroid nasal sprays and/or oral antihistamines.
Rhinocort and Flonase are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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Steroid nasal sprays are first-choice medications for nasal allergy symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose. Rhinocort (budesonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are two popular options that are both available over the counter (OTC) and with a prescription. But how do they compare? Let’s take a look at Rhinocort versus Flonase for allergy symptoms to help you choose between these two options.
1. Rhinocort and Flonase contain different ingredients
Rhinocort and Flonase are considered first-choice medications for allergic rhinitis — especially for severe or long-lasting symptoms. They both contain a type of medication called a corticosteroid, or “steroid” for short. But Rhinocort and Flonase contain different active ingredients. Rhinocort contains budesonide, while Flonase contains fluticasone.
Nasal steroids work by lowering your body’s inflammatory response to allergens, such as pollen or mold. This helps relieve symptoms such as runny nose and swollen sinuses. But it can take up to 2 weeks to feel the full effects of a steroid nasal spray. This is why they’re typically recommended for long-lasting symptoms. If you have seasonal allergies, you should start using a steroid nasal spray at least 2 weeks before allergy season starts.
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2. Flonase comes in more forms than Rhinocort
Flonase and Rhinocort are each available both OTC and with a prescription. But they come in different doses and formulations.
The chart below shows the different dosage forms available.
Medication | Active ingredient | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
Rhinocort Allergy | 2 sprays in each nostril once daily | |
Flonase Allergy Relief | 1-2 sprays in each nostril once daily | |
Flonase Sensimist | 1-2 sprays in each nostril once daily |
Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate) contains the same steroid as Flonase — fluticasone — but in a different form. The main advantage of Flonase Sensimist is that it’s a gentler spray that may be easier to use than regular Flonase. And both versions of Flonase come in an additional child-friendly size with a smaller spray nozzle for little noses. These additional options can make Flonase a preferred option over Rhinocort for some people.
3. Flonase is approved for more age groups and symptoms than Rhinocort
Flonase is FDA approved for adults and children ages 4 and older. Flonase Sensimist is approved for adults and children ages 2 and older. Both forms of Flonase are also approved to treat itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies as well as nasal allergy symptoms.
Rhinocort is approved to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 6 and older. It’s also the preferred steroid nasal spray during pregnancy, but Flonase is also considered a safe option.
4. Flonase and Rhinocort seem to be similarly effective
When it comes to nasal steroid sprays, experts consider them similarly effective, and don’t recommend one over the other.
One small study compared Flonase and Rhinocort head-to-head. After 8 weeks of treatment, both groups noticed allergy symptom relief. But the group using Flonase saw a greater improvement and faster results than the group using Rhinocort.
But a clinical review found that Rhinocort was ranked the highest when it came to effectiveness for perennial (ongoing) allergies.
Neither study provides compelling evidence for choosing Rhinocort over Flonase, or vice versa. So choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and affordability.
Good to know: Steroid nasal sprays typically don’t offer immediate symptom relief. It can take a few weeks of regular use to feel the full benefit. So starting Flonase or Rhinocort a few weeks before the start of allergy season may be a good idea if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
5. Flonase and Rhinocort have similar side effects
Flonase and Rhinocort generally have few side effects. They aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream well, so their effects are mainly isolated to the nose.
Common side effects
Common side effects of both Rhinicort and Flonase include a sore throat, cough, and nasal irritation or dryness. Flonase may also cause a headache or stomach upset.
Nosebleeds can also happen while using steroid nasal sprays. They’re more likely with long-term use (over 1 year) and can often be prevented with proper spray technique. Be sure to follow the instructions closely and point the spray nozzle towards the outer side of each nostril. If you do experience nosebleeds, let your healthcare team know. They can review your technique and recommend a different product if needed.
Good to know: For children with nasal allergies, steroid nasal sprays may actually help prevent nosebleeds by reducing the urge to rub or pick an itchy or stuffy nose.
Rare side effects
Steroid nasal sprays have been linked to small growth delays in children. But the research is mixed, and this doesn’t seem to be a common issue for most children. To be safe, it’s best to limit your child’s use of steroid nasal spray to no more than 2 months per year without your pediatrician’s OK.
Other rare side effects of Rhinocort and Flonase include nose infections or a perforated septum (hole through the middle of your nose). But these aren’t common. If you notice nose soreness that isn’t going away while using a steroid nasal spray, stop using it and have it checked by a healthcare professional.
6. Flonase and Rhinocort interact with the same medications
Flonase and Rhinocort nasal spray don’t reach the bloodstream in large amounts. So it’s not likely that they’ll have any serious interactions with other medications.
But if you combine Flonase or Rhinocort with another steroid medication, the risk for steroid-related side effects goes up. These include a greater risk of infection, osteoporosis, and more.
Talk with your prescriber before starting Flonase or Rhinocort if you’re taking another steroid medication — this includes both oral and topical forms. They can tell you whether it’s safe for you to take them together.
You also shouldn’t combine more than one steroid nasal spray. Doing so will only raise your risk of side effects and isn’t recommended.
7. You can use Flonase and Rhinocort with other (nonsteroid) nasal sprays
If your allergy symptoms aren’t completely managed by Flonase or Rhinocort, there are other steroid-free nasal sprays that are safe to use along with them. These include:
Astepro (azelastine), an antihistamine nasal spray
Afrin (oxymetazoline), a decongestant nasal spray
NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium), a mast cell stabilizer
It’s recommended to wait at least 15 minutes between each type of nasal spray. And make sure to follow the dosing directions closely. For example, you shouldn’t use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row. Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure about anything.
You can also combine Flonase or Rhinocort with an oral antihistamine, such as Allegra (fexofenadine). This can be especially helpful during the first 2 weeks, while you’re waiting for the full effect of the nasal spray to kick in.
8. There are several ways to save on Rhinocort and Flonase
The prescription versions of Rhinocort and Flonase are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price of the generic versions. Generic Rhinocort’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $15.32 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic Flonase’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $14.66 with a free GoodRx discount.
GoodRx can also help you save on OTC Rhinocort and Flonase. All you need is a prescription for the OTC version from your healthcare provider. OTC Rhinocort’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $20 with a free GoodRx discount. And OTC generic Flonase’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $19.85.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Flonase and other steroid nasal sprays can cause a bloody nose. In some cases, you can avoid a bloody nose by using proper technique. Aim the nasal spray toward the outside of your nostril. And don’t use more sprays than recommended per day. You can also consider using a saline nasal spray or ointment to help keep your nasal passages from drying out, which can lead to bleeding. But if blood noses are frequent, it’s best to stop using a steroid nasal spray and talk to a healthcare professional.
Yes, you can take several allergy medications while pregnant. This includes most oral antihistamines, antihistamine nasal sprays, and most nasal steroid sprays (except for Nasacort (triamcinolone)). Home remedies, such as a nasal saline rinse, can also help. Talk to your prenatal care team about the safest option for you based on your symptoms and medical history.
Yes, Flonase and other steroid nasal sprays can cause a bloody nose. In some cases, you can avoid a bloody nose by using proper technique. Aim the nasal spray toward the outside of your nostril. And don’t use more sprays than recommended per day. You can also consider using a saline nasal spray or ointment to help keep your nasal passages from drying out, which can lead to bleeding. But if blood noses are frequent, it’s best to stop using a steroid nasal spray and talk to a healthcare professional.
Yes, you can take several allergy medications while pregnant. This includes most oral antihistamines, antihistamine nasal sprays, and most nasal steroid sprays (except for Nasacort (triamcinolone)). Home remedies, such as a nasal saline rinse, can also help. Talk to your prenatal care team about the safest option for you based on your symptoms and medical history.
The bottom line
Rhinocort (budesonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are steroid nasal sprays that treat nasal allergy symptoms. They contain different ingredients, but experts consider the medications similarly effective. Flonase comes in more forms than Rhinocort, which may make it easier to use for some people. Flonase is also FDA approved for a wider age range than Rhinocort, while Rhinocort is the preferred option during pregnancy.
It can take up to 2 weeks for Flonase and Rhinocort to reach their full effect. In the meantime, you can combine them with oral antihistamines or other steroid-free nasal sprays. But you shouldn’t use more than one steroid nasal spray at a time.
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References
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