Flonase vs. Nasonex

What is Flonase? What is Nasonex?

Nasonex is a Brand name for a nasal spray containing corticosteroid drug mometasone as an active ingredient.  This drug prevents the release body substances that can cause inflammation.

Are Flonase and Nasonex same thing?

But, they are not the same drugs. Flonase contains fluticasone as an active ingredient while Nasonex contains mometasone. The major difference between these two drugs is that Nasonex in indicated for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults while Flonase is not.

Also, Flonase can’t be used in children younger than 4 years while Nasonex can, but general recommendation is that Nasonex can’t be used in children who are younger than 2 years of age.

Another difference is their appearance in systemic circulation. Flonase systemic bioavailability is less than 2% compared to Nasonex < 0,1% which is the lowest level of all intranasal corticosteroids drugs. Flonase is also available in Generic form while Nasonex is not.

How Flonase vs Nasonex works

The results of corticosteroid-receptor interaction are next processes: transcription, alteration and protein synthesis, reduced release of enzyme hydrolases, collagen deposition reduction, leukocyte adhesion to the capillary wall interference, fibroblast proliferation reduction, prevention of macrophage accumulation into inflammation sites, inhibition of proinflammatory substances such as  kinin and histamine release, reduction of capillary membrane permeability and edema, decrease of complement components, and interference with scar tissue formation.

Flonase and Nasonex Uses

Nasonex is used for the relieving allergy nasal symptoms such as: congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. It is also used for the prevention of seasonal allergy symptoms in adults and children older than 12 years. Nasonex nasal spray can be also used to treat nasal polyps in adults.

Flonase and Nasonex available dosages and forms

Flonase side effects

Nasonex side effects

• Headache (17%)
• Upper respiratory infections (15%)
• Nasal congestion (8%)
• Pharyngitis (6-8%)
• Dysphonia (4%)
• Fever (1-5%)
• Cough (3-4%)
• Aches and pains (1-3%)
• Nasal discharge (1-3%)
• Flu-like syndrome (1-3%)
• Diarrhea (1-3%)
• Bronchitis (1-3%)
• Abdominal pain (1-3%)
• Nasal ulcer (1%)
• Loss of taste – not defined frequency
• Nasal burning irritation, and nasal soreness, nasal dryness, nasal septal perforation – postmarketing report

• Headache (>10%)
• Pharyngitis (>10%)
• Cough (>10%)
• Viral infection (>10%)
• Epistaxis (>10%)
• Diarrhea (1-10%)
• Dyspnea (1-10%)
• Vomiting (1-10%)
• Dysmenorrhea (1-10%)
• Musculoskeletal pain (1-10%)
• Myalgia (1-10%)
• Conjunctivitis (1-10%)
• Otitis media (1-10%)
• Flu-like syndrome (1-10%)
• Anaphylaxis (<1%)
• Angioedema (<1%)
• Growth suppression (<1%)
• Nasal candidiasis (<1%)
• Taste disturbance (<1%)
• Nasal septal perforation (<1%)
• Nasal burning and irritation (<1%)

Can you buy Flonase and Nasonex over the counter?

Flonase and Nasonex price

• Flonase nasal spray average wholesale price 16g bottle is about $70.87
• Nasonex nasal spray average whole sale price for 17g inhaler is about $74.47

Who can use these products?

• Flonase should not be used in a child under 4 years old. Corticosteroids can affect growth in children.
• Nasonex can’t be used in children under 2 years of age.
• Patients who have glaucoma or cataracts, often nose bleedings, herpes simplex virus of the eyes, tuberculosis or any other infection, sores and ulcers inside their nose, liver disease, or patients who have recent surgery or nose injury should talk with their doctor first before using Flonase or Nasonex.
• Patients allergic to fluticasone, mometasone or any other inactive ingredients in these products should not use Flonase or Nasonex.
• Flonase and Nasonex FDA pregnancy category are C. It is not known whether Flonase or Nasonex will harm an unborn baby. Women should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using these products,
• It is not known whether mometasone or fluticasone passes into breast milk. Mothers who are breast-feeding a baby should not use these products without their doctor permission.
• Patients with diabetes should tell their doctors if they are using these drugs, corticosteroids can increase sugar levels in blood.

How should Flonase and Nasonex be used?

1.      Remove the cap from the bottle and shake the bottle gently.

2.      If you are using the pump for the first time you must prime the pump. Press and release the nozzle to release 5 sprays into the air away from the face. If you have not used it for 2 weeks or longer, press and release 1 spray into the air away from the face.

1. Gently blow your nose until your nostrils are clear. A small child may need help to gently blow his or her nose.
2. Remove the bottle cap and gently shake the bottle.
3. Hold the pump with the applicator between your forefinger and middle finger and the bottom resting on your thumb.
4. Press one finger on the other hand against the side of one of your nostrils to hold it closed.
5. Put the spray tip into your other nostril. Aim the tip toward the back of your nose, but do not push the tip deep into your nose. Do not point the tip toward your nasal septum (divider between your nostrils).
6. Sniff gently. While you are sniffing, use your forefinger and middle finger to press firmly down on the applicator and release a spray.
7. If you are using 2 sprays, repeat steps 6 to 8.
8. Repeat steps 6 to 8 in the other nostril.
9. Do not blow your nose for 15 minutes after using the spray.
10. Wipe the applicator with a clean tissue and cover it with the cap.

How many times and how often can patients take Flonase and Nasonex?

• Flonase and Nasonex should be used as directed by doctor or as directed on the label.
• The usual dose of Flonase is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Dose may be changed after symptoms improve.
• The usual Nasonex dose for children from 2 to 11 years is 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
• The usual Nasonex dose for 12 years or older is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day.
• The recommended Nasonex dose for the treatment of nasal polyps is 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.
• When these products are used for the prevention of allergic rhinitis, treatment should be started 2 – 4 weeks prior to pollen season.

How long does it take for Flonase and Nasonex to be effective?

What if I overdose Flonase or Nasonex?

If someone swallows Flonase or Nasonex nasal spray, local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 should be called. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, local emergency services at 911 should be called.

What if I missed the dose of Flonase or Nasonex?

How long both products should be used?

How long do Flonase and Nasonex stay in your system?

·         Afer intravenous administration, the effective plasma elimination half-life of mometasone furoate is 5.8 h. After intranasal administration it is expected that half-life should be much shorter.

Can I take Flonase and Nasonex with Zyrtec?

These drugs work pretty well together in treating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Zyrtec is second generation antihistamine and has far less side effects such as sedation and drowsiness compared to older antihistamines. However, patients need to see an allergist first for more definitive treatment options.

Can you take Claritin and Flonase at the same time?

Can I take Flonase and Nasonex with Benadryl?

These drugs do not interact and both work to help patient’s allergy symptoms. Patients should use the smallest effective dose when needed for a short time period.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Flonase or Nasonex?

Also, many patients who use intranasal steroids also use antihistamines for their allergy symptoms relief. Combination of alcohol and antihistamines can alter antihistamine sedative effects.

Can I use Flonase or Nasonex if I have a bloody nose?

When you cannot absolutely use Flonase and Nasonex?

What are the alternatives for Flonase and Nasonex?

• Alternative for Flonase on the market that contains fluticasone as an active ingredient is Veramyst nasal spray.
• Alternatives for Nasonex on the market that contain mometasone as an active ingredient are Propel and Propel Mini.

Are Flonase and Nasonex addictive?

However, after a few days of administrating nasal sprays, in some patients, nose may become less responsive to the effects of nasal sprays. However, this is more common in patients using nasal decongestant, and it is generally not usual for corticosteroids. As a result, patients may need to use more and more to control congestion.

Congestion may also worsen if patient stop using these products. This is called a rebound effect, not addiction. That’s why patients should not use these products for more than a week, and always as directed by doctor or pharmacist.