What Is Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to treat the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and perennial rhinitis (year-round allergies). Each actuation delivers 50 micrograms of mometasone furoate. It is the generic, unbranded version of Nasonex and contains the same active ingredient at the same strength.
It works by reducing inflammation inside the nose, which may help relieve sneezing, itching, a blocked or runny nose and nasal congestion caused by allergic reactions. This product contains 140 actuations (18g bottle) and is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over.
Is Mometasone Furoate a Steroid?
Yes, mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid (steroid). It belongs to a group of medicines known as glucocorticoids, which work by reducing inflammation in the body. When sprayed into the nose, mometasone furoate acts locally on the nasal lining to reduce swelling and irritation caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites and animal dander.
Because it acts primarily at the site of application, very little of the medicine is absorbed into the rest of the body. This means that when used as directed, mometasone furoate nasal spray is associated with fewer systemic side effects compared with oral corticosteroids.
What Is Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Used For?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is used to treat the nasal symptoms of allergic conditions, including:
- Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds
- Year-round allergies (perennial rhinitis) caused by house dust mites, animal dander, mould spores and other indoor allergens
It may help relieve symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and nasal congestion. Mometasone furoate nasal spray is not suitable for treating symptoms caused by the common cold.
What Is the Difference Between Mometasone and Nasonex?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is the generic (unbranded) version of Nasonex. Both products contain the same active ingredient, mometasone furoate, at the same strength of 50 micrograms per spray. They work in the same way and are considered medically equivalent.
The main difference is cost. Generic mometasone furoate nasal spray is typically available at a lower price than the branded Nasonex product, as the manufacturer does not carry the same research and development costs associated with bringing the original branded product to market.
How Does Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Work?
Mometasone furoate works by blocking the release of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation. When allergens such as pollen or dust are inhaled, the immune system responds by releasing chemicals including histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These substances cause the nasal lining to become swollen, irritated and congested.
By reducing this inflammatory response at the nasal lining, mometasone furoate may help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, itching, a blocked nose and a runny nose. It acts locally within the nose rather than throughout the whole body.
How to Use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray
Before using the spray for the first time, you will need to prime the bottle. Shake the bottle gently and pump the spray 10 times into the air until a fine mist appears. If the spray has not been used for 14 days or more, re-prime it by pumping 2 sprays into the air before your next use.
To use the spray:
- Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils
- Close one nostril by pressing a finger against the side of your nose
- Insert the nozzle into the other nostril, tilting your head slightly forward
- Spray once whilst breathing in gently through your nose
- Breathe out through your mouth
- Repeat for the other nostril
- Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap
Do not pierce the nasal applicator. Avoid spraying into your eyes. Each bottle contains 140 sprays. After 140 actuations, the remaining sprays may not deliver the correct dose, and the bottle should be replaced.
What Is the Dosage for Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?
The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 and over is two sprays into each nostril once daily (total daily dose of 200 micrograms). Once symptoms are under control, the dose may be reduced to one spray into each nostril once daily (100 micrograms total).
For children aged 3 to 11 years, the usual dose is one spray into each nostril once daily (100 micrograms total). Children under 3 should not use this product.
If you experience severe hay fever, your prescriber may recommend starting the spray 2 to 4 weeks before the pollen season begins. This may help prevent symptoms from developing. You should not use mometasone furoate nasal spray for longer than 3 months continuously without consulting your doctor.
How Long Does Mometasone Furoate Take to Work?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray may begin to relieve symptoms within 12 hours of the first dose. However, the full benefit of treatment may not be felt for one to two days. For some people, it may take up to two weeks of regular use to experience the maximum benefit.
It is important to continue using the spray regularly as directed, even if you feel better, as it works best when used consistently. If your symptoms do not improve after two weeks, speak to your prescriber.
Can You Buy Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Over the Counter?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK. This means it cannot be purchased over the counter in pharmacies or shops without a prescription. However, it can be obtained through a GPhC-registered online pharmacy such as Pharmica following a short consultation.
Some other steroid nasal sprays, such as beclometasone (Beconase) and fluticasone (Pirinase), are available over the counter without a prescription. However, mometasone furoate is generally considered to be a more potent topical corticosteroid than beclometasone.
Can Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Be Used for Sinusitis?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is sometimes prescribed for chronic rhinosinusitis (long-term sinusitis) and nasal polyps in adults. When used for nasal polyps, the dose may be increased to two sprays in each nostril twice daily (400 micrograms total), as directed by your doctor.
For acute sinusitis (short-term sinus infections), mometasone furoate nasal spray is not typically the first-line treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, such as facial pain, pressure or a blocked nose that lasts for more than 10 days, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Can You Use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray With Antihistamines?
Yes, mometasone furoate nasal spray can generally be used alongside oral antihistamine tablets such as cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine. Mometasone furoate reduces inflammation within the nose, whilst antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine released during an allergic reaction. They target different parts of the allergic response and may complement each other.
Mometasone furoate nasal spray does not relieve itchy or watery eyes, so an antihistamine tablet or eye drops may be helpful if you experience eye symptoms alongside nasal hay fever symptoms. Always check with your prescriber before combining treatments.
How Long Can You Use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?
For seasonal hay fever, mometasone furoate nasal spray is typically used during the pollen season and stopped once symptoms have resolved. You should not use mometasone furoate nasal spray continuously for longer than 3 months without speaking to your doctor.
For perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, longer-term use may be appropriate under medical supervision. If you are using the spray for several months or longer, your prescriber may advise regular check-ups to monitor for any side effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid use.
Who Should Not Use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?
You should not use mometasone furoate nasal spray if you:
- Are allergic to mometasone furoate or any of the other ingredients in the spray
- Have an untreated infection in your nose (such as a cold sore or herpes simplex infection)
- Have recently had nasal surgery or a nose injury that has not yet healed
You should speak to your doctor before using mometasone furoate nasal spray if you have a weakened immune system, if you are taking other corticosteroid medicines (by mouth, injection or inhaler), if you have tuberculosis or any other untreated infection, or if you have glaucoma or cataracts.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
What Are the Alternatives to Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?
If mometasone furoate nasal spray is not suitable for you, several alternative hay fever treatments are available:
- Nasonex (Mometasone Furoate) - the branded version of the same active ingredient, available in 60- and 140-spray bottles
- Avamys (Fluticasone Furoate) - another corticosteroid nasal spray, also prescription-only
- Dymista (Azelastine/Fluticasone) - a combination nasal spray containing both an antihistamine and a corticosteroid
- Oral antihistamines - such as cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine, available over the counter
- Antihistamine eye drops - for relief of itchy, watery eyes associated with hay fever
Your pharmacist or prescriber can advise on the most suitable option for your symptoms.