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
Patanase
Flonase vs. Patanase Dosage
Flonase
Patanase
| 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 | 1 spray/nostril twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 sprays/nostril twice 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 |
Patanase
| 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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