Difference Between Nasonex and Flonase

Man hand with a bottle of medication for runny nose during allergy

Nasonex and Flonase are both nasal sprays and allergy medications that are used to treat nasal allergy symptoms (or all by reducing inflammation caused by corticosteroids. They are both FDA-approved to treat seasonal and year-round allergies, and are generally considered equally effective and safe. Nasonex requires a prescription due to its active ingredient of Mometasone (steroid medication).

Key Takeaways

  • There are no major differences between Nasonex and Flonase aside from the fact that Nasonex is prescription only. And will require the medical prescription from a primary care physician in the treatment of allergy symptoms.

  • Both Nasonex and Flonase are given in similar dosage amounts. There is no “stronger” or “more effective” brand of the nasal spray. However, some people choose Nasonex out of preference aside from anything else.

Nasonex vs. Flonase (Comparison Table)

Here is a table breaking down the key similarities and differences between Flonase and Nasonex:

Feature

Flonase

Nasonex

Availability

Over-the-counter (OTC)

Prescription only

Active Ingredient

Fluticasone

Mometasone

Indications

Hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis, allergies

Hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis, allergies; FDA approved for nasal polyps

Effectiveness

Equally effective for treating allergic rhinitis

Equally effective for treating allergic rhinitis

Side Effects

Headache, stinging, burning or bleeding in the nose, sore throat, watery eyes; Potential growth rate slowing in children

Headache, stinging, burning or bleeding in the nose, sore throat, watery eyes

Strength

Flonase Allergy Relief: 0.05mg (50 microgram) per spray; Children's Flonase: 0.05mg (50 micrograms) per spray; Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief: 0.0275mg (27.5microgram) per spray

0.05mg (50 micrograms) per spray

Age Limit

Flonase Allergy Relief and Children's Flonase: Not for children under four; Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief: For children aged two to four

For adults and children over the age of two

Bottom Line

Both equally effective and safe; choice may depend on personal preference, availability, or price

Both equally effective and safe; prescription requirement and availability may influence choice

If you need expert advice, https://Drugmart.com can connect you with a team of licensed pharmacists to address your concerns. Our customer service team will help with any questions you may have. You can also check out our list of FAQs to get answers to the most-asked questions we receive. Find your prescription, create an account and start saving on your meds from https://Drugmart.com today!


Sources

  1. FDA. (2018). Drug label information for Nasonex. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020762s053lbl.pdf

  2. FDA. (2019). Drug label information for Flonase. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020121s045lbl.pdf


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The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.