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Our Verdict
Nasacort is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray that may provide up to 24 hours of seasonal and pet allergy symptom relief. Before purchasing, discuss with your medical provider whether Nasacort is the right medication to treat your nasal allergies.
Key Features
- May provide up to 24 hours of relief from nasal allergy congestion
- Available as an OTC spray for adults and children
- Contains the non-drowsy active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide
- Get relief for your seasonal allergies with quality doctors and providers at affordable prices
- Face-to-face video conversation with provider
- Prescription if recommended with local pickup or delivery
- Good for urgent or routine care
Nasacort Allergy 24HR Nasal Spray may effectively treat symptoms associated with nasal allergies, including a stuffy nose and watery eyes. Classified as a corticosteroid, these nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation and mucus within your nose that can cause allergy symptoms. Both the adult and children sprays of Nasacort deliver 55 milligrams of triamcinolone acetonide per spray into each nostril in mist form.
In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approved classifying Nasacort as an OTC medication rather than requiring a prescription.
Nasacort can also treat hay fever and indoor or outdoor respiratory allergies by reducing the presence of irritants that trigger symptoms, such as seasonal allergens or pet dander. Taken once daily, a single dose of Nasacort can counteract sinus irritation, with effects lasting up to a full day.
Nasacort at a Glance
- Drowsy or non-drowsy: Active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide isn’t commonly known to cause drowsiness.
- Length of symptom relief: Up to 24 hours of relief per use
- Symptoms treated: Nasal allergy congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose associated with year-round seasonal or pet allergies
Types of Nasacort
Nasacort is available for adults in bottle form in spray counts of 60, 120, 240 or 360. For children ages 2 and older, the nasal spray is available in a 60-spray bottle.
How it Works
Corticosteroids work by targeting inflammation topically on the nasal membranes, blocking culprit allergens that enter your nasal passage and cause symptoms, such as an itchy and running nose, says Stanley Fineman, M.D., an allergist, immunologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
Nasal steroids work by stopping cells within your nasal passage from releasing irritant chemicals that can lead to inflammation and trigger a reaction.
How to Use Nasacort
Prior to the first use, prime the bottle by removing the cap and shaking gently. Hold the bottle upright and press the nozzle to release a spray of mist, making sure to angle it away from your eyes. The spray is now ready. If the bottle hasn’t been used for over two weeks, prime it again before spraying.
Before each use, gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils. Remove the cap and shake the bottle. Close one nostril and aim the spray toward the back of the nose in the other nostril. Sniff as you spray. Repeat on the other nostril and wipe the bottle nozzle before replacing the cap. Dosage varies for adults and children.
Although Nasacort is an OTC product, check with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s safe to use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a thyroid or other preexisting health condition.
The Cost
The cost of Nasacort Allergy 24HR varies depending on the retailer and spray count.
Below is a breakdown of current prices from multiple online retailers. Note: Prices are subject to change and accurate at the time of publication.
What Experts Say
The availability of OTC corticosteroids gives many patients easier access to an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, says Dr. Fineman. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic respiratory illness affecting 10% to 30% of the worldwide population, and intranasal corticosteroids are usually the first line of treatment.
“As nasal steroids help patients with allergy symptoms by reducing nasal inflammation, they’re considered the ‘gold standard’ treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis,” explains Dr. Fineman.
Treatments like Nasacort can work from the first application, although this medication is also known to take a week or more for notable and significant improvements, he adds.
Other OTC corticosteroids are found to be as efficient at reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms as Nasacort. One study attempting to determine inferiority between triamcinolone acetonide and fluticasone propionate sprays over 28 days concluded that both were equally effective at treating seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis[1].
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FAQs
Is Nasacort fast-acting?
Nasacort can work from the first use, although it can take up to a week or more for symptoms to improve.
Does Nasacort effectively resolve allergy symptoms?
Nasal steroids, including Nasacort, are effective at tackling year-round and seasonal allergy symptoms by reducing nasal inflammation and sensitivity to irritants that can aggravate the allergy. In a 2020 study involving patients with allergic rhinitis who used intranasal corticosteroids, 71% of participants reported symptom relief when using the medication[2].
Is Nasacort safe for daily use?
Nasal steroids are generally safe for long-term daily use when following dose instructions and product warnings on the label. Always check with your doctor if you have any concerns before using Nasacort.
