Nasacort vs. Patanase

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

Key Takeaways

  • Nasacort is an over-the-counter, once-daily nasal steroid, while Patanase is a prescription-only antihistamine spray used twice daily.

  • Both can cause epistaxis and headache, but Nasacort carries steroid-specific risks and Patanase commonly causes a bitter taste and can cause drowsiness.

  • Nasacort's typical monthly cost is a small fraction of Patanase's, since Nasacort is sold OTC and Patanase requires a prescription.

Nasacort vs. Patanase Drug Summary

Nasacort

Nasacort is a nasal corticosteroid that relieves nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It is sprayed into each nostril once daily and has been sold over the counter since 2013.

Patanase

Patanase is a prescription intranasal antihistamine that relieves nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is sprayed into each nostril twice daily and is approved for adults and children 6 and older.

Nasacort vs. Patanase Side Effects

Nasacort

Most common
headache (1% to 10%)
epistaxis (1% to 10%)
pharyngitis (1% to 10%)
cough (increased) (1% to 10%)

Patanase

Most common
headache (up to 4.4%)
epistaxis (up to 3.2%)
bitter taste (up to 12.8%)
pharyngolaryngeal pain (up to 2.2%)

Nasacort vs. Patanase Dosage

Nasacort

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

Nasacort vs. Patanase Indications

Nasacort

Nasacort treats nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or perennial allergies. It is approved for adults and children 2 years and older and is sold over the counter without a prescription.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms

  • Perennial allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms

  • Approved for ages 2 and up

  • Available without a prescription (OTC)

  • Not approved for asthma

Patanase

Patanase treats nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies. It is approved for adults and children 6 years and older and requires a prescription.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms

  • Approved for ages 6 and up

  • Not approved for perennial rhinitis under 12

  • Requires a prescription

  • Not approved for use under age 6

Nasacort vs. Patanase Pros and Cons

Nasacort

Nasacort has decades of safety data as a nasal steroid and is priced low as an over-the-counter option. Like all nasal steroids, it needs consistent daily use to build full effect and carries a small risk of nasal tissue changes over time.

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription

  • Once-daily dosing simplifies allergy management

  • Roughly $13 to $24 per month without insurance

Cons

  • Carries steroid risks like nasal septal perforation

  • May reduce growth velocity with long-term pediatric use

  • Rare risk of immunosuppression affecting infection response

Patanase

Patanase works faster than nasal steroids because it blocks histamine directly rather than reducing inflammation over days. It requires a prescription and costs substantially more per month than over-the-counter options.

Pros

  • Works faster than steroids by blocking histamine directly

  • Approved for children as young as age 6

  • No steroid-related growth or immunosuppression risk

Cons

  • Twice-daily dosing is less convenient than once-daily

  • Common bitter taste after each use (up to 12.8%)

  • Prescription-only, roughly $314 to $350 per month before savings

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.