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Nasacort vs Rhinocort

By: Author Health Guide's Editorial

Posted on Last updated:

Nasacort vs Rhinocort:

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis results from an immunological abnormality in which atopic individuals produce IgE (immunoglobulin E) to allergens (such as – house dust mites, pollen, molds, and animal dander).

It typically causes cold-like symptoms, like – sneezing, and a blocked or a runny nose.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is managed by clinicians and patients using a combination of prescription and OTC medicines.

Below is a comparison of two nasal steroids for allergic rhinitis:

Nasacort

It is the brand name of a drug called triamcinolone acetonide that belongs to the family of drugs called corticosteroids.

Rhinocort

It is the brand name of a drug called budesonide, an anti-inflammatory synthetic corticosteroid.

Uses

Nasacort

It is prescribed for the treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

It may take up to one week of daily use to feel the most symptom relief.

However, it usually starts to work on the first day you use the medicine. In addition, after three days of continual use, it provides maximum symptom relief.

Rhinocort

It is used to treat sneezing, stuffy nose, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Moreover, this nasal spray is indicated for the treatment of nasal polyps (soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of the sinuses or nasal passages).

Mechanism of Action

When administered intranasally in therapeutic doses, triamcinolone acetonide has a direct anti-inflammatory action on the nasal mucosa.

The exact mechanism of action of budesonide in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is not fully understood.

Side Effects

Nasacort

The most common adverse events associated with this medication include:

  • unpleasant taste/smell;
  • nose dryness or irritation;
  • vomiting;
  • cough;
  • nausea;
  • headache;
  • watery eyes;
  • stuffy nose;
  • sore throat;
  • stinging in your nose;
  • nosebleeds;
  • sneezing after the use of the medicine.

Call your healthcare provider at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • pain in your nose;
  • loss of taste or smell.

Rhinocort

The most common adverse events associated with this medication include:

  • burning or irritation around your nose;
  • nose dryness or irritation;
  • sores inside or around your nose;
  • sore throat;
  • unpleasant taste/smell;
  • nosebleeds;
  • sneezing;
  • cough.

Call your healthcare provider at once if you have a serious side effect like:

  • pain in your nose;
  • loss of taste or smell.

Dosage

Nasacort

The usual recommended dosage for pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years is 110 micrograms as 1 spray in each nostril once per day.

The usual recommended starting dosage for patients aged 12 years and over is 220 micrograms as 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.

After the symptoms are controlled, the recommended dose is 110 micrograms once per day.

Rhinocort

The usual recommended dosage is 1 to 2 sprays for children, and 1 to 4 sprays for adults.

The treatment is recommended for up to 90 days of continuous use. Also, start using this nasal spray before you are exposed to the allergen.

Warnings & Precautions

Nasacort

It is recommended that the height of kids receiving treatment with this nasal spray is regularly monitored.

Also, ask a healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use triamcinolone acetonide if you have other medical conditions, particularly:

  • recent surgery or injury to your nose;
  • ulcers in your nose;
  • cataracts (a clouding of the lens in the eye that leads to a decrease in vision);
  • glaucoma;
  • asthma;
  • any type of infection.

Rhinocort

Do not give this nasal spray to a child under the age of 6 years.

It is also recommended that prior to the first use, the spray must be shaken, and the pump must be primed by actuating 8 times.

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Drug Interactions

Nasacort

This medicine may negatively interact with:

  • some antibiotic medicines, like – clarithromycin;
  • cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production;
  • medicines used to treat fungal infections, such as – itraconazole;
  • other corticosteroid medicines, like – asthma inhalers, tablets, eye/nose drops, or nasal sprays.

Rhinocort

It may interact in a negative way with the following drugs:

  • telithromycin;
  • saquinavir;
  • nelfinavir;
  • nefazodone;
  • itraconazole;
  • indinavir;
  • clarithromycin;
  • atazanavir;
  • ritonavir;
  • ketoconazole.

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Alcohol

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using any of the nasal sprays since alcohol can notably raise the risk of developing side effects of the drugs.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Nasacort

There are no data on the excretion of the active ingredient into human milk.

However, the producer recommends that caution should be used when using the nasal spray by nursing women.

There are no well-done studies on pregnant women.

The nasal spray is only recommended for use during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs the risks.

Rhinocort

The active ingredient found in this nasal spray can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not use it if you are breastfeeding a baby.

The medicine is not expected to be harmful to a developing fetus.

However, it is recommended to contact your healthcare professional if you are pregnant before using the medicine.

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Nasacort vs Rhinocort – Which Is Better For Allergic Rhinitis?

Nasacort is used to treat itching, sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies. It contains triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid that prevents the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation.

This medicine generally starts to work within 2 or 3 days, but, occasionally, it may take up to 14 days to start working.

Rhinocort is a nasal spray that contains budesonide, an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine that helps to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Research suggests both nasal sprays are effective for relieving sneezing, congestion, postnasal drip, and other allergic rhinitis symptoms and there are no significant differences between them.

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Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21293319
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/budesonide