Nasalcrom vs Flonase – detailed comparison:
Nasalcrom
It is the brand name of a drug called cromolyn sodium that belongs to a group of drugs known as mast cell stabilizers.
This medication works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Uses
This over-the-counter medication is typically used to prevent and treat nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children 2 years and older.
Notes – it can take up to four weeks for this medication to reach its full effect. This medication will not treat the symptoms of sinus infections, asthma, or the common cold.
It works best if used at least 7 days before you come into contact with things you are allergic to (such as – dust, pollen, and pets).
Do not blow your nose for several minutes after using the nasal spray. Do not use this nasal spray for longer than 12 weeks unless your healthcare provider has told you to. Also, do not use this medication more than 6 times in a 24-hour period.
Dosage
It is typically given as 1 spray into each nostril every 4 to 6 hours.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- mild stinging inside your nose after the use of this nasal spray;
- sneezing.
Rare side effects may include:
- yellow or green mucus from the nose;
- tight feeling in your chest;
- high temperature (fever);
- wheezing;
- sores in your nose;
- sinus pain;
- nosebleeds;
- severe stinging, burning, or irritation in your nose.
Alcohol
Using alcohol with this nasal spray may cause negative interactions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect the infant. Do not use this nasal spray without telling your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a baby.
This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant during treatment.
Flonase
It is the brand name of a medication called fluticasone, which is typically used to treat nasal symptoms, such as – congestion, sneezing, and runny nose, that are commonly caused by year-round or seasonal allergies.
This medication acts to reduce chemicals in the body called cytokines. They may be present and cause inflammation as a result of allergen exposure, however, cytokines are also important to the immune system.
Uses
This medication is typically used to relieve seasonal and year-round allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms, such as – sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, and itching.
Dosage
For children 4 to 11 years old and adults, the usual recommended dose is 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril in the morning.
Note – do not use this nasal spray in a child younger than 4 years old. Also, it may take 2 to 3 days for this medication to reach its full effect.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- an unpleasant smell;
- an unpleasant taste in the mouth;
- cataracts;
- a stinging sensation in the nose;
- raised pressure in the eye;
- nosebleeds;
- swelling and redness in the nose;
- dryness in the nose;
- an irritated throat;
- perforation of the nasal septum.
Less common side effects may include:
- wounds that will not heal;
- seeing halos around lights;
- vomiting;
- ongoing nosebleeds;
- unusual weakness;
- eye pain;
- fever (high temperature);
- noisy breathing;
- blurred vision;
- chills;
- crusting around the nostrils;
- nausea;
- redness in the mouth or throat;
- flu symptoms.
Important Note
The use of this medication for a long time or in high doses may lead to – depression, muscular pain, joint pain, adrenal insufficiency (a hormonal disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of steroid hormones), and lassitude (a state of mental or physical weariness).
Alcohol
This medication has no known interactions with alcohol.
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Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- amoxicillin;
- advair;
- benadryl (diphenhydramine);
- afrin (oxymetazoline nasal);
- fish oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids);
- albuterol;
- levothyroxine;
- allegra (fexofenadine);
- lexapro (escitalopram);
- trisodium phosphate;
- aspirin;
- metformin;
- claritin (loratadine);
- omeprazole;
- cymbalta (duloxetine);
- singulair (montelukast);
- gabapentin;
- tylenol;
- ibuprofen;
- trazodone;
- lisinopril;
- tramadol;
- mucinex (guaifenesin);
- synthroid (levothyroxine);
- tripotassium phosphate;
- prednisone.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
This medicine reaches the bloodstream in extremely low amounts, and it is not likely that it would pass into breast milk or cause harm to the infant.
Moreover, according to recent studies, this medication is safe to use during pregnancy for mild to moderate symptoms of allergies.
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Bottom Line – Nasalcrom vs Flonase
Nasalcrom (active ingredient – cromolyn sodium) is a medication that is used to prevent or relieve allergy symptoms like – a stuffy nose, a runny nose, sneezing, and itching. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Flonase (active ingredient – fluticasone) is a medication that is used to treat nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. It belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids that work by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells.
Both medications are effective in relieving the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies. But, both have plenty of side effects and don’t treat the cause of allergies.
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Here Are 6 Home Remedies For Nasal Allergy Symptoms:
#1 Green Tea
It contains a compound (methylated epigallocatechin gallate) that has been shown in studies to have potent antioxidant properties which inhibit allergic reactions.
#2 Turmeric
Turmeric, a common spice in Indian cuisine, contains curcumin – a decongestant that wards off colds and helps reduce allergy symptoms.
#3 Eucalyptus Oil
Some researchers concluded that this essential oil, extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
#4 Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that helps to naturally control allergy symptoms and to stabilize the release of histamines.
Moreover, according to a recent study, quercetin is effective at reducing allergies since it helps calm down the hyperactivity of the airways.
#5 Garlic
It is a natural antibiotic that helps ward off viruses, infections, and even allergies.
Tip – raw garlic consumed on a daily basis will fight off all types of allergies due to the fact that it boosts the immune system.
#6 Nettle Leaf
It is a natural antihistamine that can be very effective as it naturally blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine. It is usually mixed with red raspberry leaf and peppermint leaf to make a refreshing allergy relief tea.
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References https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/pats.201004-033RN https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12117084