Flonase vs. Nasonex

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

Flonase (fluticasone nasal spray) and Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) are corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Nasonex Nasal Spray is also used to treat nasal polyps in adults.

A difference is Flonase is available over-the-counter (OTC) and Nasonex is available by prescription only. Both drugs are available in generic form.

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 Nasonex include:

• headache,
• stuffy nose,
• sore throat,
• cough,
• muscle or joint pain,
• nausea,
• nose/throat dryness or irritation,
• blood-tinged mucus/phlegm,
• sores or white patches inside or around your nose, and
• nosebleeds.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Nasonex Nasal Spray including pain or sores in your nose, white patches in your nose or mouth, or painful swallowing/trouble swallowing.

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.

Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray is a steroid used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Nasonex Nasal Spray is also used to treat nasal polyps in adults.

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.

This medication may interact with other drugs.

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 dose of Nasonex for adults and children 12 years and older for treatment or prevention of the nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic and perennial allergic rhinitis, or nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis is 2 sprays in each nostril once daily (total daily dose of 200 mcg). The pediatric dose for children 2-11 years is one spray in each nostril once daily (100 mcg). To treat nasal polyps in adults, the dose is 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily (400 mcg). Two sprays in each nostril once daily (200 mcg) is effective in some patients.