Mometasone (mometasone furoate) nasal spray is a widely used corticosteroid for managing symptoms of nasal allergies, including congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Mometasone nasal spray has been out of stock in the UK for over 2 months now. Some individuals may seek alternatives due to availability, or advice from a healthcare provider. In the UK, several mometasone alternatives are available, both over-the-counter and by prescription, offering similar relief for nasal allergy symptoms. This post will explore effective mometasone nasal spray alternatives, including beclomethasone nasal spray, fluticasone nasal spray, azelastine (a prescription-only option), and other nasal sprays that serve as decongestants. We’ll compare these options to help you make an informed decision for your nasal health.
What is a mometasone nasal spray used for?
Mometasone nasal spray is a corticosteroid medication used primarily for the treatment and prevention of nasal symptoms associated with allergies (allergic rhinitis) and for the treatment of nasal polyps. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, thereby relieving symptoms such as:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itching
For allergic rhinitis, mometasone nasal spray can be used by adults and children (the age recommendation may vary by country, but it is often prescribed for children as young as 2 or 3 years old). It can be effective for both seasonal allergic rhinitis, often caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, and perennial allergic rhinitis, which is typically triggered by allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
Mometasone nasal spray is also used in the treatment of nasal polyps to reduce their size and the discomfort associated with them. Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses that can cause congestion, reduced sense of smell, and other symptoms.
By decreasing inflammation, mometasone helps to alleviate these symptoms, making it easier to breathe through the nose, and improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from these conditions.
Is mometasone nasal spray better (stronger) than other steroid nasal sprays?
Some patients may have an impression that mometasone nasal spray is better than other steroid nasal sprays. However, this is not the case. There’s no proof that one type of nose spray with steroids is better than another for the treatment of moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis. This conclusion comes from extensive research looking at different studies. These studies compared various steroid nose sprays to a placebo spray or each other in people with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis. In total 26 studies were analysed, 13 that included 5,134 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and another 13 involving 4,393 patients with year-round allergic rhinitis (Soe KK et al., 2023).
Can you buy mometasone nasal spray over the counter?
Mometasone nasal spray can be purchased over the counter. Over the counter mometasone nasal spray is sold as Clarinaze Allergy Spray. Clarinaze nasal spray is available over the counter, despite a shortage of generic, prescription-only mometasone nasal spray. Over the counter mometasone nasal spray is of the same strength as a prescription-only mometasone nasal spray.
Pharmacies will not dispense Clarinaze Allergy Spray on prescription which calls for mometasone furoate nasal spray due to price differences between generic nasal spray and Clarinaze.
Mometasone nasal spray alternatives
Over the counter beclomethasone nasal spray
Beclomethasone nasal spray is an over-the-counter alternative to mometasone that can also be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, offering relief from allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.
Over the counter (OTC) beclomethasone nasal spray is licensed only for adults 18 years of age and over, although it is the same strength as beclomethasone nasal spray which is prescribed for under 18s.
Over the counter beclomethasone nasal is mostly known as Beconase nasal spray. Some cheaper, generic versions of beclomethasone nasal spray exist, however, they are usually out of stock, at least in recent months. OTC Beconase comes in two different sizes: 100 and 180 doses, with the latter being restricted to pharmacy-only sales.
Prescription-only beclomethasone
Prescription-only beclomethasone is available in a variety of brands including Beconase (200 doses) and Nasobec nasal sprays.
Fluticasone Nasal Spray as a mometasone nasal spray alternative
Fluticasone nasal spray is another popular over-the-counter corticosteroid that can alleviate symptoms of nasal allergies. Similar to mometasone and beclomethasone, fluticasone reduces inflammation in the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Its availability without a prescription makes it a convenient choice for many.
Over the counter fluticasone nasal spray is known as Pirinase Allergy 0.05% Nasal Spray. Similarly to OTC Beconase nasal spray, Pirinase can be used for the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis including hay fever by adults over 18 years of age and over.
- WHY CHOOSE? Pirinase Nasal Spray, Hayfever Relief for Adults, provides effective allergy relief for up to 24 hours, all day and night.
- EFFECTIVE SYMPTOM RELIEF: Pirinase provides nasal congestion and hay fever relief, and alleviates runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and watery, itchy eyes.
- HOW DOES IT WORK? This Pirinase nasal spray contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid, which, when used every day, has an anti-inflammatory action. Always read the label.
- WHO CAN USE? This easy-to-use nasal spray is formulated for adults aged 18 years and over.
- HOW TO USE? Shake Pirinase Hayfever nasal spray gently and use up to two sprays in each nostril once a day.
Prescription-only mometasone nasal spray alternatives: Dymista Nasal Spray
Dymista nasal spray is a prescription medication used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in individuals 12 years of age and older. It combines two active ingredients: fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, and azelastine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Together, these ingredients work to alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
Azelastine Nasal Spray: prescription-only antihistamine nasal spray
Azelastine is a prescription-only nasal spray in the UK. It is a unique antihistamine nasal spray, making it highly effective against nasal allergies. Azelastine is particularly beneficial for those who experience severe symptoms or for whom other treatments have been ineffective.
Mometasone nasal spray alternatives: Decongestant Nasal Sprays
In addition to corticosteroid nasal sprays, decongestant nasal sprays can offer temporary relief from nasal congestion. These include options like oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, which are available over the counter. However, they should be used for a maximum of seven days to avoid the risk of rebound congestion. A variety of decongestant nasal sprays can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, for example, Otrivine and Sudafed nasal spray.
Other options for management of hayfever
Aside from steroid nasal sprays, there are several other options available for the management of hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
Over the counter oral antihistamines are commonly used to relieve hay fever symptoms. They can help with sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Examples include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (read more about over the counter fexofenadine).
Nasal irrigation with saline solution (saltwater) can help rinse allergens and irritants from the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and other hay fever symptoms. Sterimar is a popular, natural sea water-based nasal spray.
Conclusion
Several mometasone alternatives are available in the UK, ranging from over-the-counter options like beclomethasone and fluticasone nasal sprays to prescription-only choices. Additionally, decongestant nasal sprays can be used for immediate relief from congestion.
When comparing mometasone nasal spray alternatives, it’s essential to consider the severity of your symptoms, any underlying health conditions, and personal preferences.
Beclomethasone and fluticasone are excellent starting points for those looking for over-the-counter options with similar efficacy to mometasone. Dymista and Azelastine nasal sprays, while requiring a prescription, offer additional benefits due to their antihistamine properties, making them a potent option for severe allergy sufferers. Decongestant sprays provide quick relief but are best used for short-term management due to their potential side effects.
References
Soe KK, Krikeerati T, Pheerapanyawaranun C, Niyomnaitham S, Phinyo P, Thongngarm T (2023). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of licensed dose intranasal corticosteroids for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2023 May 23;14:1184552. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1184552. PMID: 37288109; PMCID: PMC10242043. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1184552 Accessed on 25/02/2024
