Flonase vs. Nasacort

• Are Flonase and Nasacort the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Flonase? (Side effects)
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Nasacort? (Side effects)
• What is Flonase? (Uses)
• What is Nasacort? (Uses)
• What Drugs Interact with Flonase? (Interactions)
• What Drugs Interact with Nasacort? (Interactions)
• How Should Flonase Be Taken? (Dosage)
• How Should Nasacort Be Taken? (Dosage)

Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) are synthetic steroids of the glucocorticoid class prescribed for the control of symptoms of sneezing, itching, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or hay fever. Both Flonase and Nasacort AQ are available over-the-counter (OTC).

Common side effects of Flonase include:

• headache,
• back pain,
• sore throat,
• sneezing,
• cough,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• menstrual problems,
• loss of interest in sex,
• nosebleeds,
• sinus pain, and
• sores or white patches inside mouth or around your nose.

Common side effects of Nasacort include:

• nose/throat dryness or irritation,
• cough,
• sneezing after use of the medicine,
• nosebleeds,
• stinging or burning in your nose,
• sore throat,
• stuffy nose,
• watery eyes,
• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting, and
• unpleasant taste/smell.

Tell your doctor if you have rare but serious side effects of Nasacort AQ including:

• loss of taste or smell, or
• pain and sores in your nose.

Flonase (fluticasone) is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family of drugs and is prescribed for the control of symptoms of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) Nasal Spray is a nasal (for the nose) steroid used to treat sneezing, itching, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or hay fever. Nasacort AQ is available in generic form.

Drug interactions and warnings include Norvir (ritonavir) and Nizoral (ketoconazole). Taking either one of these drugs with Flonase may increase the blood concentrations of Flonase and potentially increase its side effects.

Nasacort AQ may interact with cancer medicine (chemotherapy), cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, basiliximab, efalizumab, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, leflunomide, etanercept, or other steroids. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

The recommended starting dosage of Flonase in adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg of fluticasone propionate each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg).

The recommended starting and maximum dose for adults and children 12 and older is 220 mcg per day as two sprays in each nostril once daily. When symptoms are controlled, reducing the dose to 110 mcg per day (one spray in each nostril once a day) can be effective to control symptoms. Pediatric dose for children 2 to 12 is 110 mcg per day given as one spray in each nostril once daily.