Flonase Allergy Relief and Nasacort Allergy 24 hr are brand names for prescription drugs containing corticosteroid/steroid nasal sprays for the treatment of hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis, and allergies.
Flonase and Nasacort both contain glucocorticoid corticosteroids that help to relieve sinus problems (nasal allergy symptoms) such as nasal congestion, a runny nose or itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and other allergy symptoms, including eye symptoms such as itchy eyes or watery eyes. Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more.
What is Nasacort?
Nasacort is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. It contains the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid used to treat the nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
Nasacort dosage
Nasacort is available as a nasal spray, in the following doses: 55 mcg triamcinolone acetonide in each spray.
For adults and adolescents older than 12 years of age, the starting and the maximum dose is 220 mcg/day (two sprays in each nostril once daily). For children 6 to 12 years of age, the starting dose is 110 mcg/day (one spray in each nostril once daily). For children 2 to 5 years of age, the starting and the maximum dose is 110 mcg/day (one spray in each nostril once daily).
What is Flonase?
Flonase is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It contains fluticasone propionate as the active ingredient, a corticosteroid used to manage the nasal symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis in adult and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older.
Flonase dosage
Flonase is available as a nasal spray, in the following doses: 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate in each 100-mg spray.
Flonase is for intranasal use only. The recommended starting dose for adults is 2 sprays per nostril once daily. For adolescents and children aged 4 years and older, the recommended dose is 1 spray per nostril once daily (100 mcg per day).
Common side effects of Nasacort and Flonase
The most common side effects of Nasacort in clinical trials include:
- Sore throat
- Nose bleeds
- Flu syndrome
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Dyspepsia
- Tooth problems
- Headache
- Nasopharyngitis
- Abdominal upper pain, diarrhea
More serious side effects of Nasacort include:
- Nasal septal perforation
- Candida albicans infection
- Impaired wound healing
- Glaucoma or posterior subcapsular cataracts
- Potential worsening of tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex
- Hypercorticism and suppression of the immune system
- Potential reduction in growth velocity in children
The most common side effects of Flonase in clinical trials include:
- Sore throat
- Nose bleeds
- Nasal burning/nasal irritation
- Nausea, vomiting
- Asthma symptoms
- Cough
More serious side effects of Flonase include
- Nasal septal perforation
- Candida albicans infection
- Impaired wound healing
- Glaucoma or posterior subcapsular cataracts
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Potential worsening of tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex
- Hypercorticism and suppression of the immune system
- Potential reduction in growth velocity in children
These aren’t all the side effects Nasacort or Flonase can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.
Nasacort and Flonase drug interactions
Nasacort can interact with other medications. These include:
- Antifungal medicine – ketoconazole, miconazole, voriconazole
- Antiviral medicine – ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir
Flonase can interact with other medications. These include:
- Antifungal medicine – ketoconazole, miconazole, voriconazole
- Antiviral medicine – ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir
Nasacort and Flonase can interact with other medications. This can change how Nasacort and Flonase and other medicines work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including over-the-counter (OTC), oral antihistamines (Claritin, Allegra), decongestants, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
Nasacort and Flonase contraindications
You should not use Nasacort if you:
- Are allergic to the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide
- Have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Nasacort
Talk to your doctor before using Nasacort if you:
- Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Nasacort
- Have an eye infection
- Have glaucoma or cataracts
- Have had recent nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or trauma
- Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed
You should not use Flonase if you:
- Are allergic to the active ingredient fluticasone propionate
- Have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Flonase
Talk to your doctor before using Flonase if you:
- Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Flonase
- Have hepatic impairment
- Have had recent nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or trauma
- Have glaucoma or cataracts
- Have diabetes
- Have a weak immune system or any type of infection
- Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed
- Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
If you have any concerns about Nasacort or Flonase side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.