How It Works
Topical: The way topical steroids like mometasone furoate work is not completely understood. Mometasone furoate is thought to work by controlling chemicals released by the body that cause inflammation and itching.
Intranasal: The way nasal steroids like mometasone furoate work is not completely understood. Mometasone furoate is thought to work on many kinds of cells that cause inflammation. In clinical studies, mometasone furoate nasal spray decreased the body’s allergic response.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Nasonex 24HR Allergy (OTC nasal spray formulation) |
| Drug Class | Corticosteroid |
| Generic Status | Generic version available |
| Availability | Nasal spray (OTC and prescription); topical forms (prescription only) |
Dosing
The correct application of mometasone furoate is vital for its effectiveness and safety.
For the nasal spray that treats allergies:
- Typical dose: Providers typically recommend 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. For polyps, healthcare providers may recommend 2 sprays in each nostril once or twice daily.
- Technique: Shake the bottle well before each use. Aim the spray toward the outer wall of the nostril (away from the nose’s center) to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Consistency: Standard guidelines recommend using the spray daily when you are experiencing allergy symptoms or are exposed to allergens. It works best when used regularly rather than as needed.
For the skin (cream, ointment, or topical solution):
- Application: Standard guidelines recommend applying a thin film to the affected area once daily or as directed by your healthcare provider.
- The thin film rule: Use a thin film and rub it in gently.
- Duration: It is generally recommended to use topical mometasone furoate for the shortest time necessary. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after two weeks.
Note: The dosing information below is for educational purposes only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
The FDA approves mometasone furoate for:
- Allergic rhinitis (Rx and OTC nasal spray): The OTC formulation is used to manage nasal symptoms caused by seasonal or year-round allergies, while the prescription formulation is used to prevent symptoms.
- Nasal polyps (Rx nasal spray): Treatment of small growths in the nasal passages.
- Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (topical): Relief of skin inflammation and itching from conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
Off-Label Uses
You may see mometasone furoate prescribed for uses that are not FDA-approved. This is a common and legal practice called off-label prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different purpose.
Mometasone furoate may be prescribed off-label for the following conditions:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps: Doctors may use mometasone furoate to treat long-term sinus inflammation that does not involve polyps.
- Nonallergic rhinitis: Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe or recommend mometasone furoate nasal spray for a stuffy or runny nose that is not due to allergies.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Mometasone furoate is sometimes used to reduce allergy symptoms that may contribute to Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Side Effects
Most people tolerate mometasone furoate well. Localized reactions may occur as the body adjusts to the steroid.
Common Side Effects
- Nasal spray: Headache, cough, sore throat, mild nosebleeds, or a temporary stinging sensation in the nose.
- Skin cream: Mild burning, itching, or skin thinning at the site of application.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur.
Stop using the medication and immediately call the doctor or get medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Nasal damage: Contact your provider if you experience a constant whistling sound from your nose or persistent, heavy nosebleeds.
- Vision changes: Steroids can sometimes increase intraocular pressure. Standard guidelines recommend watching for blurred vision or eye pain.
- Adrenal suppression: If used in high doses for a long time, the steroid can be absorbed and affect your natural hormone levels. Symptoms may include fatigue and weakness.
- Severe allergic reactions: Seek emergency medical help for hives, facial swelling, or trouble breathing.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any other concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Prime the pump
If your nasal spray is new, spray it into the air 10 times or until a fine mist appears. If you have not used your nasal spray in more than one week, or you have reassembled it after cleaning, you will need to reprime the spray. Spray it into the air two times or until a fine mist appears.
Don’t sniff too hard
When using the nasal spray, breathe in gently through the nose. If you sniff too aggressively, the medicine may go down your throat instead of staying in your nose.
Wash your hands
Always wash your hands after applying topical mometasone furoate to prevent accidentally getting the medicine into your eyes or mouth.
Skip the bandages
Standard guidelines advise against wrapping or bandaging the skin where you apply topical mometasone furoate unless your doctor tells you to. This can cause the skin to absorb too much medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Check the expiration
Do not use mometasone furoate after the expiration date. OTC Nasonex should be discarded 75 days after the first use.
Drug Interactions
While mometasone furoate acts locally, it can interact with medications that change how your body processes steroids.
Let your doctor know if you take:
- Antifungals: Medications such as ketoconazole or itraconazole can increase mometasone furoate levels in your system.
- HIV medications: Certain HIV medications, such as ritonavir or cobicistat, can significantly raise steroid levels in the blood.
- Other steroids: Using mometasone furoate alongside oral prednisone or other steroid creams can increase the risk of whole body side effects.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
What is the difference between mometasone furoate skin cream and mometasone furoate nasal spray?
The active drug (mometasone furoate) is the same, but the delivery vehicle differs. The skin cream is used topically on the skin for certain conditions like eczema or psoriasis, while the nasal spray is used to prevent or treat nasal allergy symptoms. They are not interchangeable.
How long does the nasal spray take to kick in and stop sneezing and congestion?
You may feel some relief within 12 to 48 hours. However, it can take 1 to 2 weeks of daily use to reach the full anti-inflammatory effect.
Can I use mometasone furoate skin cream on my face or eyelids?
Only do this if specifically directed by a healthcare provider. The skin on the face and eyelids is thin and more susceptible to side effects.
How many days in a row can I apply mometasone furoate ointment before I need to take a break?
Your healthcare provider will tell you how long to use mometasone furoate ointment. If your condition is worse or hasn’t improved after two weeks, consult your provider for medical advice.
Can I put a tight bandage or wrap over the skin cream to make it absorb faster?
No, avoid wrapping the skin unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Doing so can increase the risk of side effects.
Should I blow my nose immediately after using the spray?
No, you should blow your nose before using the spray to clear the nasal passages.
Can I take an allergy pill like Zyrtec or Claritin at the same time I use the nasal spray?
Yes. Antihistamines like Zyrtec are often used together with steroid nasal sprays for better symptom control. Check with your healthcare provider before starting an allergy pill.
Will the topical cream help cure a fungal infection like ringworm or athlete’s foot?
No. Mometasone furoate is a steroid and can worsen fungal infections, like ringworm, because it suppresses the skin’s ability to fight off the fungus.
Is it safe to use mometasone furoate if I am currently pregnant or actively breastfeeding?
You should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting mometasone furoate if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Comparable Medications
Hydrocortisone, Flonase, Afrin, or Clotrimazole?
Choosing the right treatment requires understanding what problem you are solving—inflammation, congestion, or infection.
Hydrocortisone
From $24.99
Hydrocortisone is a low-potency steroid often found OTC, although there are prescription-strength versions of hydrocortisone, too. Mometasone furoate is medium to high potency, depending on the formulation. Mometasone furoate is stronger than hydrocortisone and is only available by prescription.
Fluticasone Nasal Spray
From $27.99
Both are similar steroid nasal sprays used for allergy symptoms. Both are available over-the-counter and by prescription.
Afrin (oxymetazoline)
Afrin is a nasal decongestant spray that works quickly, but can only be used for up to 3 days. Mometasone furoate may take longer to work, but can be used daily without causing rebound congestion.
Clotrimazole
stion. Clotrimazole: Clotrimazole is an antifungal that treats fungus, while mometasone furoate is a steroid that treats inflammation. Mometasone furoate alone will not cure a fungal infection.
We Have Mometasone Furoate in Stock. Get Yours Today!
Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.