10 Difference between Astepro and Flonase (With Table)

What is the main difference between astepro and Flonase? The former is an antihistamine nasal spray while the latter is a corticosteroid nasal spray. These types of medication contain different active ingredients despite performing same functions.

Many people prefer buying over the counter medications to treat common flu and other conditions that causes nasal conditions. But we do recommend seeking professional advice from doctors to determine the exact cause.

We wrote this post to help you understand the differences and similarities between astepro and Flonase medication. We recommend taking the time to read the entire article before making the decision on which medication to consider.

Difference between Astepro and Flonase with Table

Basic Terms	Astepro	Flonase
Type of Medication	Antihistamine nasal spray	Corticosteroid nasal spray
Active Ingredient	Azelastine	Fluticasone
Mechanism of Action	Blocks histamine release	Reduces inflammation
Indications	Allergic rhinitis	Allergic rhinitis
Age Approval	Adults and children 6+	Adults and children 4+
Dosage Frequency	Twice daily	Once daily
Onset of Action	Rapid relief (within 15 minutes)	May take several days to reach full effectiveness
Common Side Effects	Bitter taste, nasal irritation	Nasal dryness, headache, nosebleeds
OTC Availability	By prescription only	Available over the counter and by prescription
Interaction with Other Medications	Fewer drug interactions	Potential for more drug interactions
Cost	May be more expensive	May be more cost-effective if available over the counter

What Is Astepro?

Astepro is a brand name for a nasal spray medication that contains the active ingredient azelastine. Azelastine is an antihistamine, and Astepro is primarily used to treat allergic rhinitis, which includes symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching in the nose or throat.

Astepro works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released in the body during an allergic reaction, thereby reducing these allergy symptoms. Astepro is available by prescription and is typically administered as a nasal spray.

It is approved for use in adults and children aged 6 and older. It is important to use Astepro as directed by a healthcare professional to achieve the best results in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Astepro is appropriate for your specific condition and to discuss potential side effects, contraindications, and proper usage.

What Is Flonase?

Flonase is a brand name for a nasal spray medication that contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, and Flonase is commonly used to treat various nasal and respiratory conditions, with its primary indication being the management of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and non-allergic rhinitis.

Flonase works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itching. It is also used to manage symptoms of nasal polyps and as a preventive treatment for seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergies.

Flonase is available both by prescription and over the counter (OTC), and it is approved for use in adults and children aged 4 and older. When used as directed, Flonase can help control allergy symptoms and other nasal conditions.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate usage, potential side effects, and any contraindications, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking other medications.

Main Difference between Astepro and Flonase

Active Ingredients:

Astepro: Contains azelastine, an antihistamine.
Flonase: Contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid.

Mechanism of Action:

Astepro: Blocks histamine release, providing relief from allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Flonase: Reduces inflammation in the nasal passages, addressing allergic and non-allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Age Approval:

Astepro: Approved for adults and children aged 6 and older.
Flonase: Approved for adults and children aged 4 and older.

Dosage Frequency:

Astepro: Typically used twice daily.
Flonase: Generally used once daily.

Onset of Action:

Astepro: Provides rapid relief, often within 15 minutes.
Flonase: May take several days to reach its full effectiveness.

Prescription vs. OTC:

Astepro: Available by prescription only.
Flonase: Available both by prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Type of Medication:

Astepro: Antihistamine nasal spray.
Flonase: Corticosteroid nasal spray.

Common Side Effects:

Astepro: Bitter taste, nasal irritation.
Flonase: Nasal dryness, headache, nosebleeds.

Interaction with Other Medications:

Astepro: Tends to have fewer drug interactions.
Flonase: May have more potential drug interactions, especially when used at higher doses.

Cost:

Astepro: May be more expensive, as it is typically available only by prescription.
Flonase: May be more cost-effective, especially when available over the counter.

Similarities between Astepro and Flonase

Both treat allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Both for adults and children.
Typically do not cause drowsiness.
Administered via nasal spray.
Suitable for extended use.
Flonase is available as both.
Can be used for long-term symptom management.
Recommended before use.

Conclusion

Astepro and Flonase are two distinct nasal spray medications with different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. While both are used to address allergic rhinitis symptoms, they vary in aspects such as age approval, dosage frequency, onset of action, cost, and the potential for drug interactions.

The choice between Astepro and Flonase should be based on individual health considerations, preferences, and healthcare provider recommendations, as each medication offers unique benefits and may be more suitable for specific patient needs.

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