Compare Flonase vs. Afrin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.
Flonase (fluticasone) is a good first-choice treatment for allergies of the nose, but long-term use can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 890 reviewsforFlonase
Clears your sinuses.
Afrin (oxymetazoline) clears stuffy noses, but can worsen your congestion if it is used more frequently than 3 days in a row.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 599 reviewsforAfrin
Upsides
- Only need to use Flonase (fluticasone) once a day. Its effects can last for up to 24 hours.
- Available over-the-counter and cheaper than many of its alternatives.
- Highly effective treatment of allergy symptoms in the nose.
- Flonase (fluticasone) gives you very little to no side effects since it's a nasal spray and doesn't expose the rest of your body to the medicine.
- It works right away and each dose lasts up to 12 hours.
- The effect is limited to your nasal passageways so it may be safer than other decongestants you take orally.
- Available as a nasal spray and a nasal mist.
- Can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription.
Downsides
- Flonase (fluticasone) is not an appropriate medicine for people who have an injured nose or had a recent surgery in the nose.
- Can slow down the growth rate in children.
- Can increase the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose.
- Not recommended for those who are also taking other medicines that lower their ability to fight off infections.
- Sometimes Afrin (oxymetazoline) causes temporary stinging, burning, or dryness of the nose.
- Talk to your doctor first before using it in children younger than 6 years old.
Used for
- Nasal allergy relief
- Nasal polyp
Dosage forms
- Nasal spray
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$14.43
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$3.60
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Reviews
890 reviews so far
72%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Flonase (fluticasone)?
Leave a review599 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Afrin (oxymetazoline)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
7possible side effects
- Headache7%
- Asthma-like symptoms7%
- Sore throat6%
- Nosebleed6%
- Nausea/vomiting5%
- Cough4%
- Nasal burning/nasal irritation2%
The Afrin (oxymetazoline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Decreased growth rate in children
- Children
- Using the medicine for a long period of time
- Effect on wound healing
- People who had recent surgery or injury to the nose
- Lowered ability to fight off infections
- People who come into contact with others who have chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
- People who have not received a vaccine for chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
- Damage to nose
- Using the medicine for a long period of time
- Sinus infection
- People who recently had the cold or flu
- Increased risk of nosebleeds
- Rebound nasal congestion
- Using Afrin (oxymetazoline) for more than 3 days