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
Patanase
Nasacort vs. Patanase Dosage
Nasacort
Patanase
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
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