Nasonex®

What is Nasonex?

Nasonex is an off-label treatment for sinusitis that you spray directly into your nose. It contains a corticosteroid, mometasone, which reduces swelling in your nasal passages. When a medication is prescribed off-label, it simply means that it’s used in a way that isn’t specified on the label, for example a different condition. But this doesn’t mean that the medication isn’t effective. Your prescriber will only recommend it because there’s enough evidence that it works.

Sinusitis is often caused by viral infections like the common cold. Your body will usually fight off a viral infection naturally, so Nasonex won’t treat the cause of your sinusitis, but it can relieve uncomfortable symptoms like facial pressure and excess mucus.

How does Nasonex work?

The active ingredient in Nasonex is mometasone,¹ a type of medication called a corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are used for a range of conditions, like eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. They work by reducing inflammation, which in the case of sinusitis means it can calm down the swelling in your nasal passages that causes pressure and pain.

So although Nasonex won’t treat the cause of your sinusitis, it can help you keep on top of uncomfortable symptoms until your sinus infection clears.

What doses of Nasonex are there?

Nasonex comes in a spray bottle that contains 50mcg of mometasone furoate monohydrate (glucocorticoid).

The standard dose is two sprays into each nostril, once a day.

How long does Nasonex take to work?

How long Nasonex takes to relieve sinusitis symptoms can vary person-to-person. You might find it works in under 12 hours and eases pain and pressure shortly after you start using it.

But it might take a couple of days of consistent use before you feel the full effects of your Nasonex spray. If you’ve been using it for a week and don’t think the spray is helping, let your physician know.

How often can I use Nasonex?

The recommended dose of Nasonex is two sprays in each nostril, once daily. You shouldn’t need to use it more often than this, but your physician might give you more specific instructions on how to use the spray when they prescribe it.

How to take Nasonex

To ensure you’re getting a full dose of Nasonex, shake the bottle each time you use it.

And if you’re starting a new bottle, have just cleaned the nozzle, or you’ve not used it for a week — you’ll need to prime it. To do this, hold the bottle away from you and pump it until you see a fine mist.

To use your Nasonex spray:

• Remove the cap
• Blow your nose gently
• Place the nozzle into one nostril while closing the other
• Press the pump as you slowly breathe in
• Breathe out through your mouth

You’ll feel a light mist in your nose each time you use the spray — this lets you know the dose has worked properly. Try to clean the nozzle each time you use Nasonex.