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Dymista vs Flonase

By: Author Health Guide's Editorial

Posted on Last updated:

Comparison Dymista vs Flonase:

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis is a health problem that is characterized by one or more symptoms, including itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion.

If you have allergic rhinitis, the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as an intruder (an allergen).

Then, the immune system responds to the ”intruder” by releasing chemical mediators and histamine (a neurotransmitter).

Post-nasal drip is another common result of allergic rhinitis.

This occurs when your body produces more mucus than usual, and the mucus drips down the back of the throat.

Allergic rhinitis may be perennial (caused by indoor allergens, like – house dust, mites, pet dander, and fungal spores) or seasonal (caused by airborne pollens).

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms may be experienced by sufferers during summer, spring, winter, and fall, depending upon sensitivity to the different pollens.

Treatment

Treatment for AR depends on the severity of the symptoms.

Current pharmacology treatment for allergic rhinitis includes:

  • inhaled steroids;
  • leukotriene modifiers;
  • intranasal cromolyn;
  • anticholinergic agents;
  • decongestants;
  • antihistamines.

Additionally, sufferers are advised to avoid known allergens.

Here is a comparison of two medicines that are used for allergic rhinitis:

Dymista

This product is a combination of azelastine hydrochloride (an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors) and fluticasone propionate (a corticosteroid that works by stopping the release of chemicals that trigger allergic reactions).

Flonase

It contains fluticasone propionate, a synthetic corticosteroid that has a high affinity for corticosteroid receptors.

Mechanism of Action

Dymista

Dymista is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effect of the chemicals produced in the physical body in response to an allergen, while fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces the body’s response to an allergen.

Flonase

This corticosteroid blocks the release of certain substances which cause allergy symptoms.

Uses

Dymista is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of SAR in patients 12 years of age and older for whom monotherapy with either intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines is not considered effective.

The efficacy of this medicine has been established in randomized controlled trials, where it was demonstrated to provide symptom relief.

Flonase is used to relieve runny, sneezing, stuffy, or itchy nose, and watery eyes.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose of Dymista is 1 spray in each nostril two times per day.

The usual recommended dose of Flonase is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.

Side Effects

Dymista

Common side effects associated with this medicine may include:

  • immune system problems, which can increase the risk of infections;
  • drowsiness;
  • a sore throat;
  • sleepiness;
  • eye problems, like cataracts or glaucoma;
  • nasal problems;
  • a fungal infection in the throat and nose;
  • nosebleed;
  • slow wound healing;
  • a cough;
  • sinus pain;
  • headache;
  • altered sense of taste.

Serious side effects may include:

  • seeing halos around lights;
  • eye pain;
  • blurred vision;
  • wounds which will not heal;
  • vomiting;
  • nausea;
  • weakness;
  • chills;
  • fever;
  • white patches in the mouth or throat;
  • crusting around your nostrils;
  • severe nosebleeds.

Flonase

Common side effects associated with this medicine may include:

  • nosebleed;
  • a sore throat;
  • nasal irritation;
  • change in taste or smell;
  • nasal dryness;
  • sneezing;
  • nausea;
  • headache;
  • fever (high temperature).

Serious side effects may include:

  • increased thirst;
  • chills;
  • swelling of the face, eyelids, mouth, or lips;
  • a persistent sore throat;
  • white spots in the nose or mouth;
  • severe nosebleeds;
  • tingling of the hands or feet;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • skin rash;
  • hives.

Drug Interactions

Dymista may interact in a negative way with some drugs, particularly with:

  • Cimetidine;
  • Ritonavir;
  • Ketoconazole.

Flonase may interact with:

  • cobicistat;
  • ketoconazole;
  • itraconazole;
  • clarithromycin (an antibiotic that is used to treat various bacterial infections);
  • fosamprenavir;
  • lopinavir/ritonavir;
  • mibefradil;
  • amprenavir (a medicine that is used in the therapy and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus);
  • boceprevir;
  • nefazodone;
  • idelalisib;
  • conivaptan;
  • delavirdine;
  • indinavir (a protease inhibitor);
  • nelfinavir;
  • atazanavir.

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Warnings & Precautions

When using these nasal sprays, it is important to:

  • avoid eye contact;
  • close your other nostril and sniff after you have pressed the pump;
  • shake the bottle gently before each use;
  • tilt your head down while spraying into your nose;
  • before using any of the nasal sprays, it is recommended to blow your nose in order to clear the nasal passages.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Dymista

It is not known if this nasal spray passes into breast milk and negatively affects the breastfed baby.

Your doctor can provide information on the risks and benefits involved with using this nasal spray while you are breast-feeding a baby.

There are no well-done studies to determine whether this nasal spray can harm an unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant before using this nasal spray.

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Flonase

There are no well-controlled or adequate clinical trials regarding this nasal spray in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

It is not known whether fluticasone propionate is excreted in human breast milk. Let your doctor decide whether you should discontinue using this medicine if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcoholic drinks while using any of these nasal sprays due to the fact that alcohol can raise the risk of developing certain side effects of the medicines.

Conclusion: Dymista vs Flonase – Which Is Better For Allergic Rhinitis & Post Nasal Drip?

Dymista is a nasal spray that is used to treat seasonal nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children as young as 12 years old. It contains azelastine, an H1 antagonist that works by blocking the effects of histamine in the body, and fluticasone, a corticosteroid that helps to decrease inflammation in the nasal cavity.

Flonase is a nasal spray that contains fluticasone propionate. It is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis.

According to a 2016 study that was done at the University of California, USA, Dymista provided notably better allergic rhinitis symptom relief than Flonase. However, both nasal sprays alone were more effective than the placebo.

Image credit – Shutterstock

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Sources

https://www.bmj.com/content/320/7245/1297
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8222787