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Qnasl vs Flonase

By: Author Health Guide's Editorial

Posted on Last updated:

Compare Qnasl vs Flonase:

Introduction

Perennial allergic rhinitis results from sensitivity to indoor allergens, like – dust mites or pet dander, while seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually caused by outdoor allergens, like – tree pollen, grass pollen, weeds, ragweed, and mold spores.

Here is a comparison of two allergy nasal sprays:

Qnasl

It is a prescription medication which contains beclomethasone, belonging to a class of medications called anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

Flonase

It contains a man-made corticosteroid called fluticasone propionate, which has 18-fold higher affinity for the corticosteroid receptor compared with the reference standard for corticosteroid potency.

Uses

Qnasl is prescribed for the relief of the symptoms of perennial or seasonal nonallergic and allergic rhinitis. Moreover, this nasal spray is prescribed for the prevention of recurrence of nasal polyps (noncancerous growths on the lining of the sinuses or nasal passages) following surgical removal.

Flonase is used to relieve stuffy, runny, sneezing, or itchy nose and watery eyes caused by allergies to mold, dust, pollen, or pets or hay fever (that can be perennial, seasonal, or occupational).

Systemic bioavailability of fluticasone propionate is extremely low due to the combination of extensive first-pass metabolism and poor gastrointestinal absorption.

Important note – you should use this corticosteroid every day during the time when you experience allergy symptoms.

Mechanism of Action

Qnasl

When used intranasal, this medication decreases the response to seasonal and perennial rhinitis by decreasing irritation and swelling in the nasal passages. When it is inhaled, it decreases mucus secretion and produces smooth muscle relaxation.

Flonase

It works by blocking the release of certain natural substances that cause unpleasant allergy symptoms.

Side Effects

Qnasl

The most common adverse events associated with beclomethasone treatment during clinical studies included:

  • unpleasant taste or smell;
  • discomfort inside your nose;
  • nausea;
  • runny or stuffy nose;
  • headache;
  • sneezing;
  • sore throat;
  • fever (high temperature);
  • nosebleed.

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

  • seeing halos around lights;
  • ongoing nosebleed;
  • severe nosebleed;
  • body aches;
  • sores in the nose that won’t heal;
  • chills;
  • tingling of the hands or feet;
  • eye pain;
  • blurred vision;
  • trouble breathing.

Flonase

The most common adverse events associated with this corticosteroid nasal spray treatment during human clinical studies included:

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

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

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

Dosage

Qnasl

The usual recommended dose of this medicine is 2 sprays into each nostril once a day.

Notes – after use, rinse your mouth with water to decrease the possibility of fungal infections. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using this nasal spray.

Flonase

For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual recommended dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once a day.

For children 4 to 11 years old, the usual recommended dose is 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril in the morning.

Notes – when you use this corticosteroid nasal spray for the first time, you must prime the medicine.

The majority of patients achieve relief within 12 hours of starting using the corticosteroid nasal spray. But, it may take several days for you to get the full benefit of the medicine.

Safe use of this corticosteroid nasal spray has not been established for kids under the age of 4.

Warnings & Precautions

Qnasl

To make sure that this anti-inflammatory corticosteroid nasal is safe for you, tell your healthcare professional if you have:

  • sores inside your nose;
  • asthma;
  • if you have recently had a surgery on your nose;
  • tuberculosis (an infectious disease caused by the bacterium M. tuberculosis);
  • cataracts;
  • herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
  • glaucoma (a group of eye diseases that lead to progressive degeneration of the optic nerve).

Moreover, avoid getting this anti-inflammatory corticosteroid nasal in your eyes. Also, before first use, prime pump by 6 times into the air.

Flonase

This medicine should not be used to treat symptoms (sneezing, stuffy, runny, itchy nose) that are caused by the common cold.

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Drug Interactions

There may be other drugs that can interact in a negative way with beclomethasone nasal sprays. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medications you use. This includes herbal products, prescriptions, vitamins, or over-the-counter. Do not start a new drug without telling your healthcare professional.

Flonase nasal spray may negatively interact with:

  • ketoconazole;
  • clarithromycin;
  • lopinavir/ritonavir;
  • amprenavir (a protease inhibitor used to treat HIV infection);
  • nefazodone;
  • conivaptan;
  • indinavir;
  • atazanavir;
  • nelfinavir;
  • delavirdine;
  • idelalisib;
  • boceprevir;
  • mibefradil;
  • fosamprenavir;
  • dasabuvir/ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir;
  • itraconazole;
  • cobicistat.

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Alcohol or Tobacco

Mixing alcohol or tobacco with these nasal sprays may cause negative interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of these nasal sprays with alcohol, or tobacco.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Qnasl

It is not known whether this anti-inflammatory corticosteroid nasal passes into breast milk or if it could affect in a negative way a nursing infant. Tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding a baby.

It is not known whether this anti-inflammatory corticosteroid nasal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Flonase

There are no well-done clinical studies in pregnant women to determine the risks in fetal development. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks of using this medicine while being pregnant.

There are no well-done clinical studies in lactating women for determining infant risk. Don’t start using this medicine while breastfeeding without consulting with your doctor first.

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Conclusion – Qnasl vs Flonase

Qnasl (beclomethasone) is a nasal spray that is used to treat nasal symptoms, like – sneezing, congestion, and runny nose, caused by year-round or seasonal allergies. It works by preventing the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation.

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is a nasal spray that is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, including hay fever or perennial rhinitis. It has an active ingredient that is found in the family of drugs called corticosteroids.

In conclusion, both nasal sprays have an active synthetic ingredient which is part of a class of drugs called anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. You should also keep in mind that both medicines have plenty of side effects. Let your doctor decide which is best for you.

Sources

https://www.fda.gov/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/PediatricAdvisory
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1081120615003683