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Mometasone is a cortisone-containing nasal spray for allergic rhinitis and sinus inflammation. It calms the inflammation in the nose, is not habit-forming and may also be used longer term – but only starts to work after a few days.
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Mometasone does not work immediately, but only after a few days of regular use. Do not stop it after one day when you have allergic rhinitis just because you do not feel any effect yet – but also do not use it long term at a high dose without medical advice. Mometasone (often as mometasone furoate) is a cortisone-containing nasal spray – a so-called nasal corticosteroid. It calms the inflammation directly in the nasal lining and is a standard treatment for allergic rhinitis and for sinus inflammation. Unlike decongestant sprays it is not habit-forming, but in return it does not work immediately.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Mometasone (mometasone furoate) |
| Brand name | Nasonex®, MometaHEXAL® |
| ATC code | R01AD09 |
| Drug class | Nasal corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
| Formulation | Nasal spray, 50 µg per spray |
| Use | Once daily into each nostril, topical |
| Standard dose | 2 sprays per nostril, once/day (adults) |
| Prescription status | For allergic rhinitis partly available without prescription, otherwise prescription-only |
| Special feature | Not habit-forming, only works after a few days |
In allergic rhinitis and in sinus inflammation the nasal lining is inflamed and swollen. Messenger substances attract immune cells, the lining swells, produces more secretion and the nose runs, itches or is blocked. Mometasone is a corticosteroid and acts precisely here: it slows the inflammatory reaction in the lining and calms the excessive activity of the immune cells.
Because mometasone works directly on the spot in the nose, it relieves sneezing, itching, a runny nose and above all a blocked nose. In allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and in sinus inflammation this can also ease the frequently accompanying headaches and the pressure in the face. Important: the effect builds up slowly – the full effect usually only sets in after a few days of regular use.
A major advantage: mometasone is only absorbed into the body to a small extent via the lining. The systemic (whole-body) effect is therefore low – unlike with cortisone tablets.
The usual adult dose is 2 sprays into each nostril once daily, ideally at the same time every day. As soon as the symptoms ease, the doctor can reduce the dose to one spray per nostril.
| Situation | Dose |
|---|---|
| Adults (standard) | 2 sprays per nostril, once/day |
| Maintenance after improvement | 1 spray per nostril, once/day |
| Children (only on medical instruction) | Usually 1 spray per nostril, once/day |
If you have forgotten an application, catch up as soon as you notice, and then carry on as normal – never take a double amount at once. What generally applies to a missed dose is explained in the guide Forgotten your medication.
Because mometasone only works after a few days, regular use is decisive. brite reminds you reliably.
The most important difference in everyday use: mometasone and a decongestant nasal spray such as xylometazoline are two completely different things. Decongestant sprays work immediately because they narrow the blood vessels – but they do not treat any inflammation and may only be used for a few days, otherwise there is a risk of a habituation effect with a permanently blocked nose. Mometasone calms the inflammation itself, only works after a few days and may also be used over a longer period without being habit-forming.
| Property | Mometasone (cortisone spray) | Xylometazoline (decongestant) |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of action | Inhibits the inflammation | Narrows the blood vessels |
| Onset of effect | After a few days | After minutes |
| Duration of use | Also possible longer term | Only a few days (max. approx. 7) |
| Habituation/dependence | No | Yes, with too long use |
| Typical use | Allergic rhinitis, sinuses | Acute rhinitis, cold |
For the long-term treatment of hay fever or recurring sinus complaints, mometasone is therefore the more sensible choice. A decongestant spray can additionally help for a short time at the start so that the mometasone can even reach the blocked lining – but only for a few days and ideally after medical advice.
Because mometasone works locally in the nose and barely reaches the body, it is usually well tolerated. The side effects mainly affect the nasal lining itself.
| Side effect | Frequency | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| Nosebleeds, crusts, irritation | Common | Check spraying technique (aim outwards); if it persists, pause and have it checked |
| Headaches | Common | Usually temporary; if frequent, mention to your doctor |
| Dryness or burning in the nose | Occasional | Pay attention to a gentle technique |
| Throat irritation, pharyngeal irritation | Occasional | Observe, usually harmless |
Because mometasone is only absorbed into the body in small amounts, significant interactions with other medicines are rare. Nevertheless, check your combinations in the interaction check, especially if you are using cortisone in another form (tablets, asthma spray, creams) at the same time.
| Combination | Interaction | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Further cortisone (tablets, inhalation, cream) | Total amount of cortisone rises | Coordinate with the doctor, do not combine uncontrolled |
| Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, ritonavir) | Mometasone level may rise slightly | Have it checked medically with long-term use |
| Decongestant sprays (xylometazoline) | No dangerous interaction, but risk of habituation | Only additionally for a short time, not long term |
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