Frequently Asked Questions

Use only as directed. For complete directions, warnings, and other information, please see the Drug Facts Label.

About Nasacort® Allergy 24HR

What is Nasacort®?

Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is an over-the-counter intranasal steroid (INS) used to treat nasal symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies (perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis). When Nasacort® is used as directed, it can relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR): sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and congestion. Nasacort® is not for children under 2 years of age.

Is over-the-counter Nasacort® the same strength as the original prescription Nasacort® AQ?

Yes. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR and Nasacort® AQ are the same medicine. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR has the same prescription strength as Nasacort® AQ without a prescription.

What is the indication for Nasacort®?

Nasacort® Allergy 24HR temporarily relieves these symptoms of hay fever or upper respiratory allergies in patients age 2 and older:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose
Does Nasacort® relieve symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies?

Yes. Nasacort® temporarily relieves nasal allergy symptoms, which can be caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor allergens. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose.

Does Nasacort® start working on the first day?

Yes. Nasacort® starts working on the first day you take it, and after just a few days of continual use provides maximum symptom relief. It may take up to 1 week of daily use to feel the most symptom relief. View the Day 1 efficacy results.

Will Nasacort® make my patient drowsy?

No. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is formulated to be non-drowsy.

Does Nasacort® have an unpleasant smell?

No. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is scent-free.

Does Nasacort® contain alcohol?

No. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR does not contain alcohol.

Does Nasacort® have a harsh taste?

No. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR has no harsh taste.

Can patients develop an addiction to Nasacort®?

No. Nasacort® is not addictive, and is safe to use every day. Patients should use only as directed, and they should read the Drug Facts Label for complete dosing instructions and warnings.

How does Nasacort® differ from other OTC INSs?

For your patients, a scent-free, alcohol-free OTC INS may be important. Like Nasacort®, Flonase® is an OTC INS (intranasal steroid), but they are different in their formulation. Unlike Flonase®, Nasacort® is scent-free and alcohol-free. See how Nasacort compares to Flonase® and other nasal allergy medications.

Does Nasacort® drip?

No. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is formulated to be drip-free.

FLONASE is a registered trademark, used under license by GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

Use only as directed.

How to use Nasacort® Allergy 24HR

What should my patients know about administering Nasacort®?

Patients should be advised to read the entire insert on the inside packaging to learn how to properly use Nasacort® Allergy 24HR. These instructions will tell the patient how to:

  • Prime a bottle
  • Use the spray
  • Clean the spray nozzle

Patients should also be discouraged from sharing spray bottles due to the possibility of spreading germs. Get the full instructions here.

What is the adult dosing information for Nasacort®?

For patients aged 12 years and older, Nasacort® Allergy 24HR should be administered once daily as 2 sprays in each nostril while sniffing gently. Once symptoms improve, patients can reduce their use to 1 spray in each nostril if it maintains control of their symptoms.

Can children use Nasacort®?

Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is effective in children 2 and up. Nasacort® is not indicated for children under 2 years of age. Please see the Drug Facts Label or more information about pediatric dosing and growth.

What is the pediatric dosing information for Nasacort®?

For patients between the ages of 6 and 12, Nasacort® Allergy 24HR should be administered once daily as 1 spray in each nostril while sniffing gently. If symptoms do not improve, patients should increase to 2 sprays in each nostril per day. Once symptoms improve, patients can reduce their use to 1 spray in each nostril if it maintains control of their symptoms.

For patients between the ages of 2 and 6, Nasacort® Allergy 24HR should be administered once daily as 1 spray in each nostril while sniffing gently.

Encourage parents to supervise administration, and to talk to the child’s doctor if their child needs to use Nasacort® Allergy 24HR for longer than 2 months. Please see the Drug Facts Label for more information about pediatric dosing and growth.

Is Nasacort® safe to use with blood pressure medicine?

Yes. Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is safe to use with blood pressure medicines.

Is Nasacort® safe to use every day?

Yes. When used as directed, Nasacort® Allergy 24HR is safe to use every day.

Is Nasacort® safe to take with other allergy medications?

Patients should ask their doctor or healthcare provider about using other allergy medications in conjunction with Nasacort®.

When should patients stop using Nasacort®?

Patients should be advised to stop using Nasacort® Allergy 24HR and contact a doctor if their symptoms do not improve after 1 week, or if they have:

  • A severe allergic reaction (they should seek medical attention immediately)
  • Chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (or if they have come into contact with someone who does)
  • Symptoms of an infection (or if they develop symptoms of an infection)
  • Any change in vision
  • Severe or frequent nosebleeds

Please see the Drug Facts Label for a full list of warnings and instructions.

Use only as directed.

Allergic rhinitis treatment

How can I tell if my patient has moderate to severe allergic rhinitis?

According to the latest medical guidelines,1 allergy symptoms are measured by how significantly a patient’s quality of life has been affected by sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, or nasal congestion. In moderate to severe cases, 1 or more of the following characteristics should be present:

  • Sleep disturbance
  • Impairment of daily activities (leisure, sports)
  • Impairment of school or work
  • Troublesome symptoms
When should I recommend intranasal steroids (INSs) or antihistamines for patients with allergic rhinitis?

Oral antihistamines (OAHs) work in the early stages of the allergic cascade to target the body’s histamine response to allergens. They do a good job of treating mild to moderate nasal allergy symptoms, but OAHs do not treat nasal congestion. INSs like Nasacort® Allergy 24HR target both early and late stages of the allergic cascade to treat moderate to severe nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion. Treatment guidelines state that INSs are the most effective category of medication in treating these symptoms of allergic rhinitis.1

Where do oral decongestants fit into allergic rhinitis treatment?

While oral decongestants can help with congestion, they do not address other allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose. Additionally, because oral decongestants have systemic vasoconstrictive properties, patients receiving them should be monitored for changes in blood pressure. INSs such as Nasacort® Allergy 24HR can help clear up the full range of nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, for 24 hours. It may take up to 1 week of daily use for patients to feel the most symptom relief.

Where do nasal decongestants fit into allergic rhinitis treatment?

Intranasal decongestants cause localized vasoconstriction within the nasal membrane, which very quickly relieves nasal congestion. However, they have no effect on itching, sneezing, or nasal secretion. Plus, they should only be used occasionally, over short periods of time (3 to 5 days is recommended), because of the risk of rebound congestion. INSs such as Nasacort® Allergy 24HR can help clear up the full range of allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, for 24 hours without rebound effect. It may take up to 1 week of daily use for patients to feel the most symptom relief.

Reference: 1. Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, et al; Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;122(suppl 2):S1-S84.

Use only as directed.

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