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.
Mometasone furoate nasal spray works by reducing inflammation inside the nose, which helps relieve sneezing, itching, a blocked or runny nose and nasal congestion caused by allergic reactions. Each bottle contains 140 actuations (18g bottle).
What is Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray used for?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is used to treat the nasal symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) that are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.
It helps 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.
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 can help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, itching, a blocked nose and a runny nose.
Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spary: Our Pharmacist's Advice
"Hay fever affects approximately one in five people in the UK, and for many, over-the-counter antihistamine tablets alone are not sufficient to reduce nasal symptoms such as congestion and a blocked nose.
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation directly inside the nose, which is why it can be particularly effective in treating stubborn nasal congestion that antihistamines may not fully address.
This spray works best when used consistently each day rather than only when symptoms flare up. For individuals whose hay fever follows a seasonal pattern, starting the spray two to four weeks before pollen season begins can help prevent hay fever symptoms from developing in the first place."
How long does Mometasone Furoate take to work?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray can 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 patients, it may take up to two weeks of regular use to experience the maximum benefit of the treatment.
It is important to continue using the spray regularly as prescribed, even if your hay fever symptoms improve, as the treatment works best when used consistently. If your symptoms do not improve after two weeks, consult your pharmacist.
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 bottle 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 is two sprays into each nostril once a day (total daily dose of 200 micrograms). Once hay fever symptoms reduce, the dose can be reduced to one spray into each nostril once a day (100 micrograms total).
If you experience severe hay fever, you can start using the spray 2 to 4 weeks before the pollen season begins, as this can help prevent symptoms from developing.
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.
What is the difference between Mometasone and Nasonex?
Mometasone furoate nasal spray is the generic (unbranded) version of Nasonex. Both treatments contain the same active ingredient, mometasone furoate, at the same strength of 50 micrograms per spray. They work in the same way and are medically equivalent.
Can you use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray with antihistamines?
Yes, Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray can generally be used alongside oral antihistamine tablets such as 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 can complement each other in treating hay fever symptoms.
Mometasone furoate nasal spray does not relieve itchy or watery eyes, so taking an antihistamine tablet or using eye drops can help if you are experiencing eye symptoms alongside nasal hay fever symptoms.
Cleaning your nasal spray
The spray needs to be cleaned regularly and properly by removing the dust cap and pulling off the nozzle gently. Wash both parts in warm water then rinse under a running tap and allow to dry in a warm place.
Once dried, place the spray back together and re-prime with two sprays in preperation for the next use.
Do not try and unblock the nasal applicator by inserting a sharp object inside as this can damage the spray and you may get the incorrect dose of the medicine.