What is Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Used For?

Mometasone furoate nasal spray is a corticosteroid drug that reduces inflammation in the sinuses and nasal passages. It is used to treat the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyps.

What is Mometasone Furoate?

Mometasone furoate is a type of corticosteroid drug. It is used in creams to treat certain skin conditions (like eczema and psoriasis) and in inhalers to relieve asthma symptoms. It’s also used in nasal sprays to alleviate sinus problems, like allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyps.

What is Mometasone Nasal Spray Used For?

Mometasone furoate nasal spray is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the nose and sinuses, such as:

Allergic rhinitis

AKA, hay fever - an allergic reaction to pollen, spores, dust mites, cockroach droppings, or pet dander. Allergic rhinitis causes cold-like symptoms like a runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, and pressure in the sinuses.

Chronic rhinosinusitis

An inflammatory disease of the sinuses and nasal passages, chronic rhinosinusitis causes facial pain and pressure, a blocked nose, a reduced sense of smell, and a runny nose.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign growths in the lining of the nose and sinuses. They can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, and loss of taste and smell.

How Does Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Work?

Mometasone furoate nasal spray is a corticosteroid drug that blocks the release of substances that trigger inflammation. Inflammation is an immune reaction that can be set off by exposure to allergens, and it causes allergic symptoms like runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

By reducing inflammation, mometasone furoate nasal spray can prevent or relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It can also reduce the size of nasal polyps and improve the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.

How Should I Use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?

For allergic rhinitis (hay fever), the appropriate dose of mometasone furoate nasal spray is two sprays into each nostril daily. For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, the recommended dose is two sprays in each nostril twice daily.

To ensure the spray has been applied correctly, follow these directions:

1. Gently shake the bottle before use.
2. Blow your nose, then press a finger to the side of your nose to close one nostril.
3. Bend your head slightly forward and place the nozzle of the bottle into your open nostril. Keep the bottle upright as you do this.
4. Slowly inhale through your nose as you squirt one spray up your nostril.
5. Exhale through your mouth.
6. If necessary, squirt a second spray into the same nostril.
7. Remove the nozzle from your nose.
8. Repeat the process in the other nostril if needed.

Does Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Have Any Side Effects?

The most common side effects of mometasone furoate nasal spray affect around 5% of patients and include headaches, nosebleeds, coughing, and sore throat. If used without proper care, the nozzle of the spray bottle can also cause scratches and abrasions in the nasal passages.

More serious, but less common side effects of mometasone furoate nasal spray include:

• Thrush (a fungal infection) in the nasal passages and throat
• Nasal septum perforation (a hole in the cartilage of the nose)
• Slow wound healing in the nose
• Eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts, and blurred vision)
• Allergic reactions
• Immune problems that increase your risk of infection
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Slowed growth in children

Other potential side effects of corticosteroids, like mometasone furoate, are anxiety and depression. Some people experience extreme anxiety with symptoms such as panic attacks, dizziness, sweating, and heart palpitations after using a corticosteroid nasal spray. This isn’t the case for everyone who uses these medications, but people with a history of anxiety should be aware of this possible side effect.

What Happens if I Use Too Much Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray?

Accidentally using too much mometasone furoate nasal spray is usually not harmful. However, you are more likely to experience side effects when using this medication at high doses for long periods of time, as the corticosteroid gets absorbed into your body. Speak to your doctor if you are worried, or if you:

• Have frequent or long-lasting infections (a sign your immune system is not functioning well)
• Have an infection in your nose or throat
• Have been using mometasone furoate nasal spray for several months
• Experience persistent irritation of the nose or throat
• Experience blurred vision or other problems with eyesight

Can I Use Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Alongside Other Medications?

Some medicines interact with mometasone furoate and may increase your risk of side effects or affect how well the nasal spray works. These include:

• Drugs used to treat HIV (such as ritonavir or cobicistat)
• Other steroid-containing medications (like eczema creams, inhalers, eyedrops, or steroid tablets)

Always consult a doctor if you’re concerned about the potential side effects of mometasone furoate nasal spray, or if you’re not sure whether you should use it in combination with your other medications.

Authored & Reviewed By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 23/08/2024 Reviewed on: 23/08/2024