Nasonex

Brand Names

Nasonex, Mometasone

What is Nasonex

Nasonex is a medicine of the class of drugs known as corticosteroids. This medicine is effective in the prevention and treatment of seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms of the nose (stuffiness or congestion, runny nose, itching, and sneezing). It is also used to treat growths in the nose (nasal polyps). It works by reducing swelling of the nasal passages.

This medicine does not work at once. It may take several weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Therefore, when using nasonex to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms, start this medication 2-4 weeks before pollen season begins.

Side effects of Nasonex

The most common side effects of nasonex include:

• headache
• vomiting
• sore throat
• cough

Some side effects can be serious, they are:

• wheezing
• vision changes
• yeast infection of the nose or throat

Indication

Nasonex is used for the following purposes:

• Treating seasonal or perennial nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children as young as two years old.
• Preventing seasonal nasal allergy symptoms (when started two to four weeks before the anticipated allergy season) in adults and children age 12 years old and older.
• Treating nasal polyps in adults.

Precautions

It is very important to inform your doctor before using Nasonex if you have:

• Not had chickenpox or the measles (or have not been vaccinated against them)
• Tuberculosis, herpes or any other infections
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking of becoming pregnant

Dosage forms

Nasal Allergies

The recommended Nasonex dosage for the treatment of nasal allergies in adults and children age 12 and older is two sprays in each nostril (four sprays total) once daily. With this age group, Nasonex is also approved for use in preventing seasonal allergies (such as hay fever). For this use, the dose is the same, started two to four weeks before the anticipated beginning of allergy season.

For children age 2 to 11 years old, the recommended dose for treating nasal allergies is one spray of Nasonex in each nostril once daily.

Nasal Polyps

For adults, the recommended dosage of Nasonex for treating nasal polyps is two sprays in each nostril twice daily (a total of eight sprays per day). The medication is not approved to treat nasal polyps in children.