Flonase vs. Nasacort
See how Flonase and Nasacort compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Flonase and Nasacort are once-daily corticosteroid nasal sprays sold over-the-counter, but Flonase is also approved for nonallergic rhinitis while Nasacort is not.
Flonase is approved for children 4 and older, while Nasacort is approved down to age 2, making it an option for younger kids with allergies.
Flonase typically costs more per month than Nasacort, though both are generally affordable without insurance.
Flonase vs. Nasacort Drug Summary
Flonase
Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, as well as nonallergic rhinitis, in adults and children 4 and older. It starts at a higher daily dose that can be reduced once symptoms are under control.
Nasacort
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to relieve nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 and older. It uses a fixed once-daily dose, with a higher dose available if more relief is needed.
Flonase vs. Nasacort Side Effects
Flonase
Nasacort
Flonase vs. Nasacort Dosage
Flonase
Nasacort
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 200 mcg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mcg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 110 mcg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 220 mcg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Flonase
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 200 mcg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mcg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Nasacort
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 110 mcg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 220 mcg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Flonase vs. Nasacort Indications
Flonase
Flonase treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 4 and older. It is also FDA-approved for nonallergic (perennial) rhinitis, a use most nasal steroids do not cover.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, ages 4 and up
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, ages 4 and up
Nonallergic perennial rhinitis, ages 4 and up
Available by prescription or over-the-counter
Nasacort
Nasacort treats nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2 and older. It is sold only over-the-counter, since its prescription version was discontinued in the US.
Nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, ages 2 and up
Nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, ages 2 and up
Sold over-the-counter, no prescription needed
Not approved for asthma or children under 2
Flonase vs. Nasacort Pros and Cons
Flonase
Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray available both by prescription and over-the-counter, with approval covering allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in children as young as 4. It offers a step-down maintenance dose once symptoms are controlled, but it tends to cost more per month than Nasacort.
Pros
Approved for nonallergic rhinitis, a use Nasacort lacks
Long track record, approved by the FDA since 1994
Maintenance dose can be reduced once symptoms improve
Available both by prescription and over-the-counter
Cons
Not approved for children under 4
Typically costs more than Nasacort, roughly $20 to $95 per month versus $13 to $24
Requires a step-down to a lower dose, adding an extra step for patients
Nasacort
Nasacort is an over-the-counter corticosteroid nasal spray approved for allergic rhinitis in children as young as 2, one of the lowest age approvals among nasal steroids. It uses a flat once-daily dose with no titration step, and it typically costs less per month than Flonase.
Pros
Approved for children as young as 2, younger than Flonase's minimum age
First nasal corticosteroid approved for OTC sale in the US
Simple once-daily dosing with no step-down required
Typically costs less than Flonase, roughly $13 to $24 per month versus $20 to $95
Cons
Not approved for nonallergic rhinitis, only allergic rhinitis
No longer available as a prescription formulation in the US
Not approved for use in patients with asthma
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