| Flonase | Nasacort | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | fluticasone propionate | triamcinolone acetonide |
| Active ingredient | Fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray | Triamcinolone acetonide 55 mcg per spray |
| Type | Steroid nasal spray | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose |
| Nasal congestion on label | Yes | Yes |
| Drowsiness | No drowsiness warning | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Once a day | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 4 years | 2 years |
| Maximum | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
Both are steroid nasal sprays and list the same core uses on the label: itchy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing.
On drowsiness, both labels say the same thing: no drowsiness warning.
For children, Nasacort is labeled from age 2, while Flonase is labeled from age 4.
Which might suit you
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 2 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
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.
Nasacort
- Adults and children 12 and over: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Once symptoms improve, reduce to 1 spray in each nostril daily.
- Children 6 to under 12: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (adult supervision). If no improvement, 2 sprays per nostril, then back to 1 once better.
- Children 2 to under 6: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (adult supervision).
- Children under 2: Do not use.
Key warnings
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.
Nasacort
- Do not use in children under 2.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have had recent nose ulcers or surgery, an unhealed nose injury, an eye infection, glaucoma or cataracts, or use another steroid medicine.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
- Stop and ask a doctor if exposed to chickenpox, measles or tuberculosis, or with severe or frequent nosebleeds or vision changes.
Compare prices for Flonase Compare prices for Nasacort
Frequently asked questions
Is Flonase or Nasacort 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 Flonase and Nasacort together?
Both are antihistamines, and the labels don't cover combining them. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Flonase Allergy Relief Drug Facts label (Guideline Central, from DailyMed); Nasacort Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.