Flonase vs. Nasacort

Are Flonase and Nasacort the Same Thing?

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).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Flonase?

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.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Nasacort?

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.

What is Flonase?

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.

What is Nasacort?

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.

What Drugs Interact With Flonase?

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.

What Drugs Interact With Nasacort?

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.

How Should Flonase Be Taken?

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).

How Should Nasacort Be Taken?

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.

Disclaimer

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Drug information found in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily sourced from the FDA drug information. The drug comparison information found in this article does not contain any data from clinical trials with human participants or animals performed by any of the drug manufacturers comparing the drugs.

The drug comparisons information provided does not cover every potential use, warning, drug interaction, side effect, or adverse or allergic reaction. RxList.com assumes no responsibility for any healthcare administered to a person based on the information found on this site.

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If you have specific questions regarding a drug’s safety, side effects, usage, warnings, etc., you should contact your doctor or pharmacist, or refer to the individual drug monograph details found on the FDA.gov or RxList.com websites for more information.

You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting the FDA MedWatch website or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

RxList. Flonase Side Effects Center.
https://www.rxlist.com/flonase-side-effects-drug-center.htm
RxList. Nasacort AQ Side Effects Center.
https://www.rxlist.com/nasacort-aq-side-effects-drug-center.htm

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