Key takeaways
- Both Nasacort and Flonase are over-the-counter corticosteroid medications used to treat allergy symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose, and runny nose, but Flonase can also alleviate itchy, watery eyes.
- While both medications have similar side effects, such as headaches and sore throats, Flonase has a known interaction with certain HIV drugs, so speaking with a doctor about current medications is important before use.
- Nasacort and Flonase are generally not covered by prescription drug insurance, but the generic version of Flonase is available as a prescription, and both medications may not be safe for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as nose sores or eye problems.
Nasacort and Flonase are two name-brand allergy medications. They’re corticosteroid drugs that can reduce inflammation caused by allergies.
With so many allergy medications on the market, it can be challenging to distinguish between them. Here’s what you need to know about how Nasacort and Flonase are similar and different, and how you decide what’s best for you.
Both Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate) are used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which is often simply called allergies. This condition causes inflammation of the lining of the nose. You may recognize it by the sneezing and runny nose it causes. These symptoms can be seasonal (occurring during certain seasons, such as spring) or perennial (occurring throughout the year).
Flonase can also treat eye symptoms related to allergies. These can include itchy, watery eyes.
The table below compares other key features of Nasacort and Flonase.
| Key features | Nasacort Allergy 24 hour | Flonase Allergy Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Is it prescription or over the counter (OTC)? | OTC | OTC |
| Is a generic version available? | yes | yes |
| What is the generic drug name? | triamcinolone acetonide | fluticasone propionate |
| What does it treat? | symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies | symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies, including eye symptoms |
| What form does it come in? | nasal spray | nasal spray |
| What strengths does it come in? | 55 mcg per spray | 50 mcg per spray |
| Who can use it? | adults, and children ages two years and older | adults, and children ages four years and older |
| What is the typical length of treatment? | Short term. You should talk with a doctor if symptoms last more than one week while taking Nasacort. | Up to six months for adults, up to two months for children |
Nasacort and Flonase are available on the shelves of most pharmacies. You can find them in generic and brand-name versions. The generic versions of Nasacort and Flonase are likely to cost less than their brand-name versions.
Typically, Nasacort and Flonase Allergy Relief are not covered by prescription drug insurance plans because they’re over-the-counter drugs. However, the generic of Flonase is also available as a prescription drug, which may be covered by insurance plans.
The side effects of Nasacort and Flonase are very similar. The charts below compare examples of their possible side effects. Serious side effects of Nasacort and Flonase are rare as long as you follow the directions carefully.
| Common side effects | Nasacort | Flonase |
| headache | X | X |
| sore throat | X | X |
| bloody nose | X | X |
| cough | X | X |
| burning, irritation, or inflammation in the nose | X | X |
| asthma symptoms | X | |
| sneezing | X |
An interaction is when a substance, such as another drug, changes the way a drug works. This can occur if you take two drugs together. An interaction can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Little information is available on drug interactions with Nasacort. Flonase, though, may interact with HIV drugs and other forms of steroids, such as medications for asthma, allergies, or skin rash.
Before starting Nasacort or Flonase, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. This information can help prevent any possible interactions.
Nasacort and Flonase can both cause problems for people with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the conditions marked in the table below, talk with a doctor about whether taking Nasacort or Flonase is safe for you.
- nose sores, injury, or surgery
- eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma
- eye infections
- weakened immune system
- tuberculosis
- any untreated viral, bacterial, or fungal infection
- recent exposure to chickenpox or measles
- liver problems
Nasacort and Flonase are similar allergy medications. However, they do have some differences. The key differences may be:
- What they treat: They both treat symptoms from allergic rhinitis. However, Flonase can also treat eye symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes.
- Who can use them: Nasacort can be used in children as young as two 2 years old. Flonase can be used in children ages 4 years and older.
- Their possible drug interactions: Flonase has a slightly higher risk of drug interactions than Nasacort.
A doctor can help you decide if one of these drugs is a good match for you.