What is the use of Nasonex (mometasone furoate)?

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Last updated: May 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Nasonex (mometasone furoate) is a highly effective treatment for nasal symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies, as well as nasal polyps in adults, with a standard dose of one or two sprays in each nostril once daily. The maximum benefit is often achieved after 1-2 weeks of regular use. Before using Nasonex, gently blow your nose to clear nasal passages, shake the bottle well, and tilt your head slightly forward while spraying. Direct the spray away from the nasal septum to avoid irritation. Common side effects include headache, viral infections, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing. Nasonex works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages through its corticosteroid action, which helps decrease swelling, mucus production, and allergic reactions. Unlike oral decongestants, it doesn't cause rebound congestion with long-term use. For best results, use Nasonex consistently as prescribed, even when symptoms improve, and rinse your mouth after use if you experience throat irritation.

Some key points to consider when using Nasonex include:

  • The onset of therapeutic effect of intranasal corticosteroid occurs between 3 and 12 hours 1
  • As-needed dosing of an intranasal corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, but may not be as efficacious as continuous use 1
  • Intranasal corticosteroids are also effective in the treatment of nonallergic rhinitis, especially NARES and vasomotor rhinitis 1
  • Local side effects of intranasal corticosteroids such as nasal irritation, bleeding, and nasal septal perforation are rare and can be avoided with proper administration technique 1

It's also important to note that:

  • Studies with intranasal fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, and budesonide have shown no effect on growth at recommended doses compared with placebo 1
  • Growth suppression from intranasal corticosteroids has been reported only with long-term use of beclomethasone dipropionate that exceeded recommended doses or administration to toddlers 1
  • Preparations containing propylene glycol and benzalkonium chloride may result in local irritation or ciliary dysfunction, respectively 1

Overall, Nasonex is a safe and effective treatment for nasal symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies, as well as nasal polyps in adults, when used as directed.

From the FDA Drug Label

Consumer information Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray, 50 mcg/Spray Users age 12 or older Use two sprays in each nostril every day Children age 2-11 An adult should supervise use Use one spray in each nostril once daily.

The recommended dosage of Nasonex is two sprays in each nostril every day for users age 12 or older, and one spray in each nostril once daily for children age 2-11, under adult supervision 2.

From the Research

Nasonex Overview

  • Nasonex, also known as mometasone furoate, is a synthetic corticosteroid used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis 3.
  • It is available as an aqueous intranasal spray and has been shown to be effective in controlling symptoms associated with moderate to severe seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis 3.

Efficacy of Nasonex

  • Mometasone furoate has been compared to other intranasal corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone dipropionate and fluticasone propionate, and has been found to be as effective in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis 3.
  • It has also been shown to be effective in the prophylaxis of seasonal allergic rhinitis, with an onset of action of approximately 7 hours 3.
  • A study published in 2003 found that mometasone furoate nasal spray was effective in relieving cough and nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis 4.

Safety and Tolerability of Nasonex

  • Mometasone furoate has been found to be well tolerated, with an overall incidence of adverse events similar to placebo 3.
  • The most common adverse events associated with mometasone furoate therapy are nasal irritation and/or burning, headache, epistaxis, and pharyngitis 3.
  • A safety update published in 2011 found that intranasal corticosteroids, including mometasone furoate, are safe for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, with no significant topical or systemic complications observed in studies 5.

Patient Preferences and Compliance

  • A study published in 2004 found that patients preferred triamcinolone acetonide aqueous over mometasone furoate and fluticasone propionate nasal sprays due to its sensory attributes, such as less odor and taste 6.
  • The study also found that patients were more likely to comply with a prescription of triamcinolone acetonide aqueous compared to mometasone furoate and fluticasone propionate 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Relief of cough and nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis by mometasone furoate nasal spray.

Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 2003

Research

Evaluation of patients' preferences for triamcinolone acetonide aqueous, fluticasone propionate, and mometasone furoate nasal sprays in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2004

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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