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With so many allergy symptom treatments on the market, it can be difficult to sort out which product may be right for you. FLONASE nasal sprays are effective allergy-relief options, but in some circumstances, like when you’re seeking short-term relief, you may wish to consider a nasal decongestant instead.1 Learn more about nasal decongestants, how they work and what types are available, and find out how some decongestants compare to FLONASE allergy sprays.

FLONASE OR NASAL DECONGESTANTS?

While nasal decongestants are only designed to relieve sinus congestion, FLONASE nasal sprays are different.1 FLONASE products relieve congestion, but also target other allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny or itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes. In addition, FLONASE once-daily nasal sprays provide 24-hour symptom relief, while some nasal decongestants must be taken multiple times a day.^1

Find out more about how allergy nasal sprays compare to pills and see how easy it is to use FLONASE nasal sprays.

NASAL DECONGESTANT PILLS AND SPRAYS

Nasal decongestants are medicines used for temporary relief of nasal congestion, and may come in the form of pills or nasal sprays.1 Their active ingredients often include pseudoephedrine (PSE), phenylephrine (PE) and topical oxymetazoline.5

HOW DOES A NASAL DECONGESTANT WORK?

The main function of a nasal decongestant is to reduce the congestion, or stuffiness you feel in your nose when you’re sick.1

When you have a cold or allergies, your immune system responds to the threat by sending a flood of white blood cells to the target area to combat the invading virus or allergen.2 These cells produce a range of inflammatory substances to fight off the invaders – but these substances also cause the blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages to swell and increase the production of mucus.3 This combination of narrower nasal passages and increased mucus create the feeling of a blocked, stuffy nose – in other words, nasal congestion.3

Nasal decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose.3 This reduces the blood flow through the area.3 The swollen tissue inside the nose then shrinks and allows air to pass through more easily, easing congestion.3

TYPES OF NASAL DECONGESTANTS

Millions of people reach for decongestant medications when they have a stuffy nose.3 However, it’s important to heed their warning labels.3

Always make sure you read the product label and choose a remedy that targets your particular symptoms. Ask your doctor for advice if you are not sure.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF NASAL DECONGESTANTS

Potential side effects of using nasal decongestants can include:4

  • insomnia
  • nervousness
  • anxiety
  • tremors

Speak to your doctor before using a nasal decongestant if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions:4

  • heart disease
  • liver problems
  • glaucoma
  • thyroid issues1
  • urinary conditions
  • high blood pressure
  • high blood sugar
  • seizure risk

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FLONASE VS. AFRIN®

It is important to note that nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin® are not to be used for longer than three days, as the label directs.6 FLONASE Allergy Relief nasal spray and FLONASE Sensimist Allergy Relief, on the other hand, can be used daily as directed for adults and children 12 years of age and older.7

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FLONASE VS. AFRIN®

Astepro® is an antihistamine spray that relieves symptoms of upper respiratory allergies and hay fever using the active ingredient Azelastine.8 While FLONASE also treats allergy symptoms and blocks histamine, it’s not an antihistamine like Astepro®.8 Instead of using azelastine, FLONASE uses the active ingredient fluticasone, a corticosteroid.7

FLONASE products are not intended for children younger than 2 years of age. Children’s FLONASE Allergy Relief nasal spray can be used for children aged 4-11 years. Children’s FLONASE Sensimist Allergy Relief can be used for children aged 2 years and older. Always read the directions on the product label before use.

Learn more about how FLONASE can efficiently and effectively treat your allergy symptoms.

^both provide temporary relief

FLONASE SENSIMIST is indicated for itchy, watery eyes in adults and children 12 years of age and older. See product pages for full information.

Afrin® is a registered trademark of Bayer.

Astepro® is a registered trademark of Bayer.

Sources:

  1. MayoClinic. Allergy medications: Know your options.  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403. Accessed August 1, 2018. 
  2. Immune System. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21196-immune-system. Accessed 8/13/24.
  3. Harvard Health Publishing. Don’t let decongestants squeeze your heart. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/dont-let-decongestants-squeeze-your-heart. Accessed July 15, 2019.
  4. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Decongestants can sometimes cause more harm than good. Mayo Clinic News Network. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-decongestants-can-sometimes-cause-more-harm-than-good/. Accessed 8/13/24.
  5. Nasal decongestant active ingredients. Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-341/subpart-B/section-341.20. Accessed 8/13/24.
  6. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) Nasal Spray. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18562-oxymetazoline-nasal-spray. Accessed 8/13/24.
  7. Fluticasone Nasal Spray. MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695002.html. Accessed 8/13/24.
  8. Astepro Allergy. NIH. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=e0640846-19a6-7f79-e053-2995a90a8176&type=display. Accessed 8/13/24.