Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding AllergiesWhat Is Nasonex 24HR?What Is Flonase Allergy Relief?Dosing GuidelinesGuidance for Safe UseEfficacyAlternative Treatment OptionsSide EffectsInteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding Allergies
What Is Nasonex 24HR?
What Is Flonase Allergy Relief?
Dosing Guidelines
Guidance for Safe Use
Efficacy
Alternative Treatment Options
Side Effects
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Nasonex 24HR (mometasone)andFlonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone)are over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays that are injected into the nostrils. These medications are categorized ascorticosteroids(also known as steroids).
Both Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief treat symptoms ofallergic rhinitis, such asnasal congestion,runny nose, itchy nose, andsneezing.
Nasonex 24HR also treatschronic nasal cavity inflammationwithnasal polyps.Conversely, Flonase Allergy Relief treats nonallergic nasal symptoms that occur year-round.
The primary difference between these medications is that Nasonex 24HR can treat nasal polyps, and Flonase Allergy Relief can treat nonallergic rhinitis.
This article will compare Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief, highlighting their uses, how they work, how to use them safely, and more.
LumiNola / Getty Images
Allergic rhinitis, sometimes called hay fever, develops as a response to specific allergens. Seasonal and year-round allergies are both types of allergic rhinitis.
Allergy symptoms may also be present in nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis occurs when allergy symptoms are present, but no allergy can be identified.
Allergies: Seasonal vs. Year-Round
The critical difference between seasonal and year-round allergies is the timing of symptoms and the type of allergen. Both types can cause similar symptoms.
Genetics, level of exposure, environmental factors, and geographic location can influence the severity and prevalence of allergies.
Symptoms
Common symptoms associated with allergies include the following:
These symptoms may also be present in nonallergic rhinitis but are unrelated to a specific allergen.
In some cases, exposure to an allergen can result in a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
You should be concerned and seek medical attention if your allergy symptoms progress rapidly or if you experience the following symptoms:
Treatment Options
Allergies are usually treated based on medical history and specific symptoms. Avoiding triggers is one of the best ways to help improve and manage symptoms.
However, if necessary, intranasal corticosteroids are a practical and effective option for treating allergies.
Nasonex 24HR contains the active ingredient mometasone, an intranasal corticosteroid for nasal use that comes as a nasal spray and is available OTC.
Nasonex 24HR is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the following indications:
Mometasone in Other Products
Mometasone can be found in some inhalers for asthma, topical steroids for various skin conditions, and another nasal spray for allergic rhinitis.
Ryaltris is a brand-name medication that contains mometasone and the antihistamine olopatadine. It is FDA-approved to treat seasonal allergies in adults and adolescents 12 years and older.
How It Works
This medication does not provide instant relief, and symptom improvement may occur within one to two days.
Most people achieve moderate relief 12 hours after the first dose; however, the full benefit of treatment may not be seen for up to two days, and in some cases, total relief may take several weeks.
Flonase Allergy Relief is FDA-approved for the following uses:
Fluticasone in Other Products
Flonase Allergy Relief is a nasal spray, but other forms of fluticasone can be inhaled or used topically to treat other conditions.
Notably, inhaled fluticasone can treatchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Conversely, topical fluticasone can treat certain skin conditions, such aspsoriasisoreczema.
However, in treating allergies, Flonase nasal spray also comes in a sensimist formulation for adults and children and delivers the medicationmore gently.
The sensimist formulation is marketed as a no-drip, scent-free, and alcohol-free mist spray. It is available at a lower strength, contains a different formulation of fluticasone, and treats people of different ages than Flonase Allergy Relief does.
Flonase helps lessen allergy symptoms through its anti-inflammatory activity.
This medication will start to work within 12 hours of taking it. However, taking the medication to reach maximum effect may take several days.
Some people notice an improvement in symptoms within two to four hours after the first dose.
The following will outline standard dosing practices when using Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief.
Both medications contain 50 micrograms of the active ingredient per spray.
Nasonex 24HR
Some standard Nasonex 24HR dosing practices include:
Flonase Allergy Relief
Some standard Flonase Allergy Relief dosing practices include:
Management of the nasal symptoms of year-round nonallergic rhinitis:
Both nasal sprays should be used regularly, as recommended, to achieve the best results and symptom improvement. They are for nasal use only and should not be inserted anywhere other than your nose.
Both medications should be used in the nose only. When using either medication, you should blow your nose before each use.
Tilt your head slightly forward and avoid spraying medications directly onto the septum (the area between the nostrils).
If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, but stay within your recommended daily dose or double it.
Comparing Efficacy
Research shows that Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief are effective treatment options for allergy symptoms.
Nasonex 24HR is an effective treatment option for moderate to severe symptoms of seasonal allergies.
In contrast, Flonase Allergy Relief is an effective treatment option for nasal symptoms related to year-round allergies.
Both medications work similarly, and when taken at equal doses, Nasonex 24HR is as effective as Flonase Allergy Relief at improving allergy-related nasal symptoms and overall year-round allergy symptoms.
One of the best ways to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. Though avoiding all allergens may not be possible, knowing your body and recognizing your triggers can help.
Some standard alternative treatment options used include:
Alternative treatment options may provide some relief but are not meant to be a replacement for therapies your healthcare provider has recommended.
Side Effects & Safety
Nasonex and Flonase are generally well-tolerated medications, but some potential side effects do exist.
If side effects occur, they are typically mild and don’t last long.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects associated with using Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief include:
Severe Side Effects
Potentially more severe side effects associated with using Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief include:
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning side effects while taking the medication.
Potential for Interaction
Drug interactions occur when one drug negatively affects how another works.
Speak with your healthcare provider to tell them what prescription and OTC medications you take before starting therapy.
Potential drug interactions with Nasonex and Flonase are similar, including certain medications in the following medication classes:
Summary
Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief are OTC nasal sprays that are injected into the nostrils and are FDA-approved for treating seasonal and year-round allergies.
Though these brand-name products carry different active ingredients, they are both classified as intranasal corticosteroids.
More specifically, Nasonex 24HR treats seasonal allergies and nasal polyps. In comparison, Flonase Allergy Relief can treat allergic and nonallergic symptoms, and people as young as 4 years old can take it.
However, the main difference between these drugs is that Nasonex 24HR can treat nasal polyps, and Flonase Allergy Relief can treat nonallergic rhinitis.
If you’re battling symptoms related to year-round or seasonal allergies, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider to determine if a nasal spray is an appropriate option for treating your symptoms.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStore both medications in a secured, room temperature (68–77 F) location away from high moisture levels or harsh lighting.And like all drugs, be sure to keep Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief out of the reach of children and pets.Little research has been conducted on the impact of Nasonex 24HR or Flonase Allergy Relief on pregnant or breastfeeding people.Therefore, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking either of them.The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the following locations as the top five “allergy capitals” of the United States for 2023: Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Oklahoma City; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Store both medications in a secured, room temperature (68–77 F) location away from high moisture levels or harsh lighting.And like all drugs, be sure to keep Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief out of the reach of children and pets.
Store both medications in a secured, room temperature (68–77 F) location away from high moisture levels or harsh lighting.
And like all drugs, be sure to keep Nasonex 24HR and Flonase Allergy Relief out of the reach of children and pets.
Little research has been conducted on the impact of Nasonex 24HR or Flonase Allergy Relief on pregnant or breastfeeding people.Therefore, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking either of them.
Little research has been conducted on the impact of Nasonex 24HR or Flonase Allergy Relief on pregnant or breastfeeding people.
Therefore, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking either of them.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the following locations as the top five “allergy capitals” of the United States for 2023: Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Oklahoma City; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Nasonex- mometasone furoate spray.DailyMed.Label: Flonase Allergy Relief- fluticasone propionate spray, metered.MedlinePlus.Mometasone nasal spray.MedlinePlus.Fluticasone nasal spray.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Hay fever.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Outdoor allergens.Merck Manual.Year-round allergies.Murrison LB, Brandt EB, Myers JB, Hershey GKK.Environmental exposures and mechanisms in allergy and asthma development.J Clin Invest. 2019;129(4):1504-1515. doi:10.1172/JCI124612American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Seasonal allergies.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Daley-Yates PT, Larenas-Linnemann D, Bhargave C, Verma M.Intranasal corticosteroids: topical potency, systemic activity and therapeutic index.JAsthmaAllergy. 2021;14:1093-1104. doi:10.2147/JAA.S321332DailyMed.Label: Flovent Diskus- fluticasone propionate powder, metered.DailyMed.Label: RYALTRIS- olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate spray, metered.Patel D, Garadi R, Brubaker M, et al.Onset and duration of action of nasal sprays in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients: olopatadine hydrochloride versus mometasone furoate monohydrate.Allergy Asthma Proc. 2007;28(5):592-599. doi:10.2500/aap2007.28.3033MedlinePlus.Fluticasone topical.Daily Med.Label: Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief- fluticasone furoate spray, metered.Meltzer EO, Rickard KA, Westlund RE, Cook CK.Onset of therapeutic effect of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2001;86(3):286-291. doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63300-5Hebert JR, Nolop K, Lutsky BN.Once-daily mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (Nasonex) in seasonal allergic rhinitis: an active- and placebo-controlled study.Allergy. 1996;51(8):569-576. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.1996.tb04670.xMandl M, Nolop K, Lutsky BN.Comparison of once daily mometasone furoate (Nasonex) and fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal sprays for the treatment of perennial rhinitis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997;79(4):370-378. doi:10.1016/s1081-1206(10)63030-xNational Health Service.Hay fever.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.2023 allergy capitals: the most challenging places to live with allergies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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DailyMed.Label: Nasonex- mometasone furoate spray.
DailyMed.Label: Flonase Allergy Relief- fluticasone propionate spray, metered.
MedlinePlus.Mometasone nasal spray.
MedlinePlus.Fluticasone nasal spray.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Hay fever.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Outdoor allergens.
Merck Manual.Year-round allergies.
Murrison LB, Brandt EB, Myers JB, Hershey GKK.Environmental exposures and mechanisms in allergy and asthma development.J Clin Invest. 2019;129(4):1504-1515. doi:10.1172/JCI124612
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Seasonal allergies.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Daley-Yates PT, Larenas-Linnemann D, Bhargave C, Verma M.Intranasal corticosteroids: topical potency, systemic activity and therapeutic index.JAsthmaAllergy. 2021;14:1093-1104. doi:10.2147/JAA.S321332
DailyMed.Label: Flovent Diskus- fluticasone propionate powder, metered.
DailyMed.Label: RYALTRIS- olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate spray, metered.
Patel D, Garadi R, Brubaker M, et al.Onset and duration of action of nasal sprays in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients: olopatadine hydrochloride versus mometasone furoate monohydrate.Allergy Asthma Proc. 2007;28(5):592-599. doi:10.2500/aap2007.28.3033
MedlinePlus.Fluticasone topical.
Daily Med.Label: Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief- fluticasone furoate spray, metered.
Meltzer EO, Rickard KA, Westlund RE, Cook CK.Onset of therapeutic effect of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2001;86(3):286-291. doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63300-5
Hebert JR, Nolop K, Lutsky BN.Once-daily mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (Nasonex) in seasonal allergic rhinitis: an active- and placebo-controlled study.Allergy. 1996;51(8):569-576. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.1996.tb04670.x
Mandl M, Nolop K, Lutsky BN.Comparison of once daily mometasone furoate (Nasonex) and fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal sprays for the treatment of perennial rhinitis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997;79(4):370-378. doi:10.1016/s1081-1206(10)63030-x
National Health Service.Hay fever.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.2023 allergy capitals: the most challenging places to live with allergies.
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