{"id":4313,"date":"2020-03-02T02:30:25","date_gmt":"2020-03-02T07:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3590"},"modified":"2024-12-30T10:55:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T15:55:05","slug":"flonase-vs-nasacort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/flonase-vs-nasacort\/","title":{"rendered":"Flonase vs. Nasacort: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies, you are not sneezing alone. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flonase (fluticasone propionate, or fluticasone) and Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide, or triamcinolone) are two popular medications used for allergy relief. They are in a class of medications called corticosteroids, more commonly known as steroids. Nasal steroids work by decreasing swelling and congestion in your nose. Although Flonase and Nasacort work in the same way, they do have some notable differences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Flonase and Nasacort?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Flonase<\/span><\/a> (fluticasone) and <\/span>Nasacort<\/span><\/a> (triamcinolone) treat nasal <\/span>allergy<\/span><\/a> symptoms like congestion and runny nose. In the past, both drugs were only available with a prescription, but now can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). Flonase and Nasacort come in adult and children\u2019s formulations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flonase is still available as a prescription drug, as its generic, fluticasone. Flonase is also available in a \u201cSensimist,\u201d which delivers a more gentle mist. Both drugs can be used in children and adults, but Nasacort can be used in children 2 years and older, while Flonase can be used in children 4 years and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Flonase and Nasacort<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nFlonase<\/b><\/td>\nNasacort<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nNasal corticosteroid<\/span><\/td>\nNasal corticosteroid<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nOTC: Brand (Flonase Allergy Relief) and generic<\/span><\/p>\n

Rx: generic<\/span><\/td>\n

OTC only: Brand (Nasacort Allergy 24 hour) and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nFluticasone propionate<\/span><\/td>\nTriamcinolone acetonide<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nNasal spray<\/span><\/p>\n

Children\u2019s nasal spray<\/span><\/p>\n

Gentle mist spray\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Children\u2019s gentle mist spray<\/span><\/td>\n

Nasal spray<\/span><\/p>\n

Children\u2019s nasal spray<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 12 and older: 1-2 sprays (50 mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Children 4 – 11 years old: 1 spray in each nostril daily\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults and children 6 and older: 1-2 sprays (55 mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Children age 2 to 5: 1 spray in each nostril daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term, depending on symptoms and doctor\u2019s instruction<\/span><\/p>\n

*consult with doctor if your child needs to use for more than 2 months a year\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Short-term or long-term, depending on symptoms and doctor\u2019s instruction<\/span><\/p>\n

*consult with doctor if your child needs to use for more than 2 months a year\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, children age 4 and older\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, children age 2 and older\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Flonase and Nasacort<\/span><\/h2>\n

Flonase and Nasacort are used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Flonase and Nasacort can also be used <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> to treat conditions like nasal polyps and sinusitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Flonase or Nasacort more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A 2019 <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found that after 28 days of treatment,Flonase and Nasacort were similarly effective in treating nasal allergy symptoms. Other <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> have shown the same results. In general, Flonase and Nasacort are equally safe, effective, and well-tolerated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You and your doctor can determine the nasal steroid that will work best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Flonase vs. Nasacort<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most commercial insurance and Medicare Part D plans cover the <\/span>prescription form<\/span><\/a> of generic Flonase, fluticasone. However, the amount of coverage and copay may vary. The OTC version of Flonase is not usually covered. Flonase usually costs around $20 but generic fluticasone nasal spray can be purchased for as little as $7 with a SingleCare <\/span>pharmacy coupon<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nasacort is only available OTC and is generally not covered by insurance (some state Medicaid plans may pay for generic ) or Medicare Part D. The retail price for Nasacort commonly costs over $30, but you can get generic triamcinolone nasal spray at a <\/span>participating pharmacy<\/span><\/a> for as low as $13.50 with a SingleCare coupon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Flonase vs. Nasacort<\/span><\/h2>\n

In general, Flonase and Nasacort don\u2019t have many side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

For <\/span>Flonase<\/span><\/a>, the most common side effects include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n