- Astepro is an antihistamine nasal spray that works quickly but may cause drowsiness. Its active ingredient is azelastine.
- Flonase is a steroid spray that offers long-term relief but requires daily use and a few days to build effectiveness. Its active ingredient is fluticasone propionate.
- Allermi offers tailored allergy relief by combining FDA-approved ingredients in a single formulation. It works quickly and minimizes the risk of side effects because it combines different ingredients that complement one another.
For allergy relief, Astepro and Flonase are two well-known brand names that often top the list. Both medications offer relief from symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchiness, yet they fall into distinct categories of nasal sprays.
At first glance, they might seem similar, but Astepro is an antihistamine nasal spray, while Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray — this is a key difference that means each one targets allergy symptoms in its own way.
In this article, we’ll explore how Astepro and Flonase differ and an alternative option that’s highly customized and with clinically proven ingredients.
What is Astepro?
Astepro is an antihistamine nasal spray designed to relieve symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. The active ingredient in Astepro is azelastine, which functions by blocking histamines — chemicals that trigger allergic reactions [*].
Astepro provides convenient, fast-acting relief for adults and children ages 6 and up who have allergies. The medication may cause some individuals to feel less alert than usual or even drowsy in certain cases. In clinical trials, fewer than 4% of patients reported drowsiness with Astepro.
Other potential side effects include a bitter taste, nasal discomfort, or sneezing shortly after use. To stay safe, it’s advised to avoid alcohol and be cautious when driving or operating machinery while using Astepro.
What is Flonase?
Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray containing the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which relieves allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes [*].
Fluticasone propionate works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and blocking substances that trigger allergic reactions. Although it may take about 3-4 days to reach full effectiveness, regular use of Flonase provides long-lasting relief throughout allergy season without causing drowsiness.
Flonase is not recommended for children under four years old. For those who can use it, many experience relief within 12 hours of the first dose.
Related: Afrin vs. Flonase: Differences and Alternatives
Astepro vs. Flonase
Here is a comparison table that highlights the primary features, indications, side effects, and precautions for Astepro and Flonase:
| Astepro | Flonase | |
| Drug Class | Antihistamine | Corticosteroid |
| Generic Name | Azelastine | Fluticasone Propionate |
| Indications | Primarily indicated for relieving nasal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion in both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. | Used to manage allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes — as well as other symptoms from indoor and outdoor allergens. |
| Side Effects | May cause drowsiness, tiredness, bitter taste, headache, mouth or throat pain, nasal discomfort, nosebleeds, and skin itching around your nose. | Side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, local irritation, increased intraocular pressure, nosebleeds, nasopharyngitis, acute sinusitis, and sore throat. |
| Duration/Course | Can be used for several days to months as needed for allergy control. Note that it provides relief without needing daily use, and it works right away without days of buildup for full effectiveness. | Best used consistently during allergy season for long-term relief. |
| Onset | Starts working within 30 minutes. | Many can achieve relief within 12 hours of starting the medication. However, it may take 3-4 days for Flonase to build up to full effectiveness. |
| Dosage | 1–2 sprays per nostril twice a day for adults and children over six. | 1-2 sprays each nostril daily. |
| Drug Interaction | May interact with alcohol, sedatives, and cannabis, potentially increasing drowsiness. | Should not be combined with Desmopressin (due to the risk of water retention and low sodium) and Esketamine. |
| Warnings/Precautions | Inform your doctor about: your medical history, especially if you have kidney problems. If you are pregnant, Astepro should only be used if it's necessary. Be sure to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor to make sure it's the right choice for you. | Tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, cataracts, liver disease, diabetes, eye infections, tuberculosis, or sores in your nose, or if you've had recent nasal injury or surgery. Do not use Flonase for children under 4 without medical advice. |
What is the Best Alternative to Astepro and Flonase?
While Astepro and Flonase work well for many, some people may need a more personalized solution. Allermi is a great alternative because it offers a tailored approach to allergy relief.
Unlike other nasal sprays, Allermi combines fast-acting and slow-acting ingredients in one spray, including antihistamine, decongestant, anticholinergic, and anti-inflammatory components. This unique combination provides quick and long-lasting relief, without the long wait typical of single-ingredient treatments.
You should notice an initial improvement in your nasal symptoms within 10-15 minutes of using Allermi, with further improvement over the next few days to weeks. The full effect may take up to 3-4 weeks.
Moreover, Allermi’s blend of clinically proven ingredients also helps reduce side effects, which makes it more effective for managing allergies.
Related: What's the Best Nasal Spray for Congestion?
The Bottom Line
Astepro and Flonase are both effective for allergy relief, but they work differently. Astepro provides quick relief but can cause drowsiness. Flonase offers long-lasting relief but takes a few days to work fully.
For a faster and more personalized solution, Allermi is a proven alternative. It works faster than both Astepro and Flonase, with noticeable improvement in your nasal symptoms within 10-15 minutes. Learn about the science behind Allermi here.
References:
- Azelastine (nasal route). (2024, August 1). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/azelastine-nasal-route/description/drg-20068252
- Fluticasone Nasal Spray. (2024b, May 1). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18853-fluticasone-nasal-spray
