Nasacort vs Rhinocort – Which Is The Most Effective Nasal Steroid?

Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)

It is a particularly useful allergy drug for treating symptoms that mainly affect the nose and can be used to treat both perennial and seasonal allergies.

This medicine acts by preventing the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation. This nasal spray contains triamcinolone, an adrenocortical synthetic steroid with strong topical and weak systemic activity.

Dosage

Prime this nasal spray before using it for the first time by shaking the contents well and releasing five sprays. If not used for two weeks, repeat priming by releasing 1 spray into the air before using. Each bottle of this nasal spray is designed to provide 120 sprays.

For an adult, use 2 sprays in each nostril once per day. Reduce dose to 1 spray in each nostril once per day as signs and symptoms improve.

This medicine is suitable for children over the age of 6 years only if it has been prescribed by a healthcare professional. In children, the typical dose is 1 to 2 sprays in each nostril once per day or as directed by your healthcare provider.

The symptoms improve within 2 or 3 days, however, for some individuals, it may take up to 14 days to work. To get the most benefit, it is essential to make sure that this drug stays in the nose and doesn’t run down the back of your throat.

If you forget to use this medicine, use it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Also, the treatment with the nasal spray should be tapered off gradually.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects include:

headaches;
anxiety;
upset stomach;
bronchitis;
vomiting;
depression;
toothaches;
upper abdominal pain;
nausea;
insomnia;
nasal pain;
cough;
increased hair growth;
nosebleeds;
sneezing;
diarrhea;
irregular menstrual cycles;
a sore throat;
acne;
watery eyes;
redness of the nose.

In addition, some patients may experience allergic reactions with the following symptoms – hives, swelling of the mouth, lips, throat, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Individuals who have recently had nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or an injury to the nose should not use this medicine until the nose has healed properly.

Moreover, never use more than directed, always shake the bottle well before use, and do not spray this medicine into the mouth or eyes.

The FDA has rated this nasal spray as a pregnancy risk category C, which actually means is not determined whether or not this drug will cause harm to an unborn baby, hence, stay on the safe side and avoid it.

Rhinocort

It is a nasal spray that contains budesonide, a corticosteroid that works by preventing the cells from releasing chemicals that trigger an allergic response.

If necessary, this medicine can be used alongside oral antihistamines for faster symptom relief.

This drug, budesonide, is also available as a generic medicine.

Uses

It is used to keep nasal polyps (noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages) from coming back after surgery.

Moreover, it is used to treat nasal symptoms, like – sneezing, congestion, and runny nose caused by year-round or seasonal allergies.

The recommended dose for adults is two sprays in each nostril in the morning or one spray into each nostril in the morning and evening. This nasal spray is not recommended for use in children because it may negatively affect their growth rate.

The effects of treatment with this drug may be observed within 2 to 3 days after the first use, however, for most patients, it may take up to 14 days to see a real difference.

If you are using this medicine for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), your healthcare provider may recommend that you start using it 15 days before the hay fever season starts (spring, summer, and early fall).

Before using this nasal spray for the first time, you need to prime the nozzle properly.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects of using this nasal spray may include:

swelling, pain, itching, burning, or irritation around the nose;
white patches around or inside your nose;
unpleasant smell;
nosebleeds;
sneezing;
cough;
a sore throat;
throat irritation or dryness.

Serious side effects (very rare) may include:

flu symptoms;
body aches;
chills;
fever;
vision problems;
trouble breathing;
wheezing;
sores in the nose which won’t heal;
severe nose bleed.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid using this nasal spray if you are breastfeeding a baby since budesonide can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby.

There are no conclusive studies regarding its use during pregnancy, hence, stay on the safe side and avoid it.