GENERIC NAME: mometasone furoate nasal inhaler/spray

BRAND NAME: Nasonex

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Mometasone furoate is a synthetic (man-made) steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid family of steroid hormones that is used for the treatment of nasal allergy. The naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid hormones are potent reducers of inflammation (anti-inflammatory). When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, medications go directly to the inner lining of the nose, and very little is absorbed into the body.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Aerosol or spray unit (50 mcg per actuation), regular or scent-free.

STORAGE: Mometasone furoate should be kept at room temperature, 4-30°C (39-86°F). It should be shaken well before each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Mometasone furoate is used for control of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nose in which the inner lining of the nose swells and releases fluid (mucus).

DOSING: Mometasone furoate generally is given as two sprays in each nostril once daily in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described with nasal mometasone furoate.

PREGNANCY: There does not appear to be any increased risk of malformation in children born to mothers exposed to intranasal corticosteroids during pregnancy. There is no dependency and no symptoms upon discontinuation of mometasone furoate as there are with other corticosteroids.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if mometasone furoate is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in this class are indeed secreted into breast milk. It is not known whether the small amounts that may appear in breast milk have an effect on the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with nasal mometasone furoate are nasal irritation, sneezing, and, occasionally, bleeding from the nose.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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