| Allegra | Flonase | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | fexofenadine | fluticasone propionate |
| Active ingredient | Fexofenadine HCl 180 mg (24 Hour) or 60 mg (12 Hour) | Fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | Yes |
| Drowsiness | No drowsiness warning | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Once a day (180 mg) or twice a day (60 mg) | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 12 years | 4 years |
| Maximum | 1 x 180 mg or 2 x 60 mg tablets in 24 hours | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
They are different kinds of medicine. Allegra is an oral antihistamine (pill) you swallow; Flonase is a steroid nasal spray you spray into the nose. Flonase's label lists nasal congestion among its uses; Allegra's does not.
On drowsiness, both labels say the same thing: no drowsiness warning.
For children, Flonase is labeled from age 4, while Allegra is labeled from age 12.
Dosing: Allegra is once a day (180 mg) or twice a day (60 mg); Flonase is once a day.
Which might suit you
- you need to stay alert during the day
- you can take it with water rather than juice and away from antacids
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 4 or older
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Allegra
- Adults and children 12 and older (24 Hour): One 180 mg tablet with water once a day. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
- Adults and children 12 and older (12 Hour): One 60 mg tablet with water every 12 hours. Not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
- Children under 12: Do not use (these tablets).
- Adults 65 and older, or kidney disease: Ask a doctor.
Flonase
- Adults and children 12 and over: Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Week 2 through 6 months: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed. Ask a doctor about use beyond 6 months of daily use.
- Children 4 to 11: 1 spray in each nostril once daily, with adult supervision, for the shortest time needed. Ask the child's doctor if needed more than two months a year.
- Children under 4: Do not use.
Key warnings
Allegra
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease.
- Do not take at the same time as aluminum or magnesium antacids.
- Do not take with fruit juices: take it with water.
Flonase
- Do not use to treat asthma, in children under 4, or with a nasal injury or surgery that has not fully healed.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have or had glaucoma or cataracts.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take ritonavir or other HIV medicines, another steroid medicine, or ketoconazole pills.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
Compare prices for Allegra Compare prices for Flonase
Frequently asked questions
Is Allegra or Flonase better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Allegra and Flonase together?
The labels don't cover taking these two together. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Allegra Allergy Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label); Flonase Allergy Relief Drug Facts label (Guideline Central, from DailyMed). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.