Flonase vs. Patanase

See how Flonase and Patanase compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces nasal inflammation, while Patanase is an antihistamine nasal spray that blocks histamine's effects.

  • Flonase can be used once daily for maintenance, while Patanase requires twice-daily dosing every day of use.

  • Flonase is approved for both seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis in ages 4 and up, while Patanase covers only seasonal allergies and is approved from age 6.

Flonase vs. Patanase Drug Summary

Flonase

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nasal passages to relieve allergy symptoms. It treats both seasonal and year-round (perennial) allergic rhinitis, including nonallergic rhinitis, in people age 4 and older. It is used once or twice daily and is available both over the counter and by prescription.

Patanase

Patanase (olopatadine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine nasal spray that blocks histamine to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion. It is FDA approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis in people age 6 and older and is taken as a spray in each nostril twice daily. It is available only by prescription.

Flonase vs. Patanase Side Effects

Flonase

Most common
headache (up to 16.1%)
epistaxis (up to 6.9%)
cough (up to 3.8%)
pharyngitis (up to 7.8%)

Patanase

Most common
headache (up to 4.4%)
epistaxis (up to 3.2%)
cough (up to 1.4%)
bitter taste (up to 12.8%)

Flonase vs. Patanase Dosage

Flonase

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Patanase

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 spray/nostril twice daily At the start
Maximum dose 2 sprays/nostril twice daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Flonase vs. Patanase Indications

Flonase

Flonase is FDA approved to treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, as well as nonallergic rhinitis, making it useful for people with year-round nasal symptoms and not just seasonal ones. It is approved for ages 4 and up and works by calming inflammation in the nasal lining.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis

  • Nonallergic rhinitis

  • Approved for ages 4 and older

Patanase

Patanase is FDA approved only for seasonal allergic rhinitis, so it does not carry an approved use for year-round or nonallergic nasal symptoms. It is approved for ages 6 and up, though use for perennial symptoms in children under 12 is not approved.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis

  • Approved for ages 6 and older

  • Not approved for perennial rhinitis under age 12

  • Not approved for children under 6

Flonase vs. Patanase Pros and Cons

Flonase

Flonase's corticosteroid action targets inflammation directly, which can make it effective for a broader range of nasal symptoms including congestion. It is widely available over the counter, which often means lower out-of-pocket cost and easier access than prescription-only options.

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription

  • Covers both seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms

  • Can be used once daily for maintenance

Cons

  • Long-term use carries a small risk of nasal septal effects

  • Pediatric long-term use raises concern about growth effects

  • Not approved for children under 4

Patanase

Patanase works through a different mechanism than steroid sprays, which may appeal to people who prefer to avoid corticosteroids or who need fast symptom relief. It requires a prescription and consistent twice-daily use, and it is only approved for seasonal symptoms.

Pros

  • Non-steroid option for people who want to avoid corticosteroids

  • Bitter taste aside, generally fast-acting for seasonal symptoms

  • One of few intranasal antihistamines approved down to age 6

Cons

  • Requires a prescription, unlike Flonase's OTC option

  • Must be used twice daily rather than once

  • Not approved for perennial or year-round allergies

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