Verified Animal-Free Nasal Allergy Relief Medications: Flonase, Nasacort, and Afrin

Frank Son, PharmD
May 19, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Apr 16

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) 2018 National Health Interview Survey, allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, affects approximately 19.2 million adults in the United States. Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to air particulates such as mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.

After contacting each manufacturer, we at VeganMed have verified animal-free formulations of Flonase, Flonase Sensimist, Nasacort, and Afrin!

Table 1. Verified Animal-Free Nasal Allergy Relief Medications:

Flonase, Flonase Sensimist, Nasacort, and Afrin

Class	Drug	Manufacturer	Verified Animal-Free
Steroid Nasal Spray	Fluticasone Propionate (Flonase)	Haleon	Yes
Steroid Nasal Spray	Fluticasone Furoate (Flonase Sensimist)	Haleon	Yes
Steroid Nasal Spray	Triamcinolone (Nasacort)	Sanofi	Yes
Decongestant Nasal Spray	Oxymetazoline (Afrin)	Bayer	Yes

How Do Steroid Nasal Sprays and Decongestant Nasal Sprays Work?

Steroid nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasacort constrict nasal blood vessels and directly reduce nasal inflammation. Decongestant nasal sprays, such as Afrin, constrict nasal blood vessels without a direct anti-inflammatory effect. It is important to note, that decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin are recommended to not be used for greater than 3 consecutive days due to the risk of rebound congestion, an issue not present with steroid nasal sprays.

Table 2. Verified Animal-Free Nasal Allergy Relief Medication Information:

Drug Names, Age Restrictions, Directions for Use, and Side Effects

Drug	Age	Directions for use	Side effects
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray	≥ 4 years	4-11 years of age (adult supervision advised) 1 spray in each nostril once daily ≥ 12 years of age Week 1: use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily Week 2 through 6 months: use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed After 6 months of daily use: ask your doctor if you can keep using	Headache, Nosebleed The growth rate of some children may be slower while using this product
Flonase Sensimist	≥ 2 years	2-11 years of age (adult supervision advised) 1 spray in each nostril once daily ≥ 12 years of age Week 1: use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily Week 2 through 6 months: use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed After 6 months of daily use: ask your doctor if you can keep using	Headache, Nosebleed The growth rate of some children may be slower while using this product
Nasacort Allergy	≥ 2 years	2-5 years of age (adult supervision advised) 1 spray in each nostril once daily while sniffing gently 6-11 year of age (adult supervision advised) 1 spray in each nostril once daily while sniffing gently. If allergy symptoms do not improve, increase to 2 sprays in each nostril per day. Once allergy symptoms improve, reduce to 1 spray in each nostril per day ≥ 12 years of age Spray 2 times into each nostril while sniffing gently once daily. Once your allergy symptoms improve, reduce to 1 spray in each nostril per day	Headache, pharyngitis The growth rate of some children may be slower while using this product
Afrin Allergy Sinus Nasal Spray	≥ 6 years	≥ 6 years (6-11 years of age: adult supervision advised) 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. When used for self-medication, do not use for more than 3 days	Nasal congestion (rebound; chronic use), nasal mucosa irritation

Co-authored by: Angela Wolfe

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