Beconase vs Flonase – Uses, Side Effects, Differences

Beconase

It is the brand name of a drug called beclomethasone dipropionate, a type of drug known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones which are made naturally by the adrenal glands – endocrine glands which produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline,  cortisol, and aldosterone.

Beclomethasone prevents the release of substances in the human body that causes inflammation.

Uses

This steroid is typically used to treat nasal symptoms, like – sneezing, congestion, and runny nose that are caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is 1-2 sprays in each nostril two times per day. Some people require higher doses, and some may do well with lower doses. It can be used in children as young as 6 years old, but only if it has been prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects And Precautions Of Beclomethasone Dipropionate

Common side effects may include:

  • white patches around or inside the nose;
  • mild itching;
  • unpleasant smell;
  • unpleasant taste;
  • feeling light-headed;
  • stuffy nose;
  • headaches;
  • irritation in the throat and nose;
  • nausea.

Rare side effects may include:

  • problems breathing;
  • flu symptoms;
  • ongoing nose bleed;
  • body aches;
  • fever;
  • seeing halos around lights;
  • blurred vision;
  • sores in the nose that won’t heal.

To make sure this nasal spray is safe for you, tell your healthcare professional:

  • if you have cataracts;
  • if you have asthma;
  • if you have tuberculosis;
  • if you have herpes simplex virus of the eyes;
  • if you have glaucoma;
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any drug;
  • if you have sores or ulcers inside the nose;
  • if you are pregnant;
  • if you have recently had any nose surgery;
  • if you are taking or using herbal and complementary medicines;
  • if you are taking or using other medicines with or without a prescription.

Flonase

It is the brand name of a drug called fluticasone, that is used to treat nasal symptoms, like – sneezing, congestion, and runny nose that are usually caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Fluticasone acts to reduce chemicals in the human body called cytokines. They may be present and cause inflammation as a result of allergen exposure but they are also essential to the immune system.

Uses

This nasal corticosteroid is used to prevent allergy symptoms, such as – itching, sneezing,  and stuffed or a runny nose. Also, it reduces swelling and is an adjunctive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (described by upper airway obstructions that happen repeatedly during sleep).

It is a topical steroid spray which is available over-the-counter (OTC).

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is 2 sprays per nostril a day. The maximum dose is 200 mcg per day (4 sprays).

Before the first use, you need to prime the spray bottle by shaking the bottle well and to press and release the nozzle, until a fine mist is produced. After 120 metered sprays, the unit should be discarded since the amount of medication delivered per actuation may not be consistent.

It is used for adults and children aged 4 and older.

Side Effects And Precautions Of Fluticasone

Common side effects may include:

  • minor nosebleed;
  • back pain;
  • a sore throat;
  • headaches;
  • white patches inside or around the nose;
  • a cough;
  • loss of interest in sex;
  • sinus pain;
  • menstrual problems.

Rare side effects may include:

  • unusual tiredness;
  • fever;
  • stuffy or runny nose;
  • muscle aches;
  • tightness in the chest;
  • skin rash;
  • redness of the skin;
  • problems swallowing;
  • swelling around the face, eyes, lips, or tongue;
  • fast heartbeat;
  • dizziness.

To be sure that this nasal spray is safe for you, tell your healthcare professional if you have:

  • liver problems;
  • recent exposure to measles or chickenpox (a viral infection which causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters);
  • eye infections caused by herpes;
  • nose surgery;
  • any untreated bacterial, viral, or fungal infection;
  • tuberculosis;
  • weakened immune system;
  • glaucoma or cataracts.

Do not use this nasal corticosteroid without a healthcare provider’s advice if you are breastfeeding because it is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk.

Beconase vs Flonase – Which Is Better?

Beconase contains a drug called beclometasone dipropionate which belongs to a group of drugs called steroids. It reduces irritation and swelling in your nose that helps to relieve sneezing and itching in your blocked or runny nose.

Flonase contains a drug called fluticasone that is a member of the family of drugs known as corticosteroids. It is typically used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and is occasionally given orally for more severe conditions.

Some studies concluded that nasal steroid sprays such as fluticasone are the most effective stand-alone medications available for relieving sneezing, congestion, and postnasal drip. For that reason, many healthcare professionals consider them the best first option for allergy sufferers.

According to research, fluticasone intranasal spray is more effective than beclomethasone dipropionate intranasal spray.

3 Home Remedies for Allergic Rhinitis

#1 Garlic

It contains a high amount of quercetin, a plant polyphenol from the flavonoid group that is very effective in getting rid of allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, it is one of the top natural treatments for allergic rhinitis due to its antibacterial, antibiotic, immune-boosting, and antiviral effects.

#2 Turmeric

The use of this spice is a remarkable way to lower the risk of any type of allergy (including the symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as congestion, sneezing, and dry mouth) due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting attributes.

#3 Foods Rich In Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is said to be a potent antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. In addition, it helps to stabilize mast cells to keep them from releasing histamine.

Foods high in quercetin include – red onions, capers, kale, apples, cauliflower, red grapes, cranberries, turnips, green tea, spinach, radishes, grapefruit, lemons, cherries, blueberries, dandelion greens, raspberries, tomatoes, blackberries, broccoli, Swiss chard, tamarinds, and oranges.

Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty

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References

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6e8f7981-f2ca-4b56
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/81

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