Mometasone nasal (nose) spray is used to treat cold-like symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis. This is swelling (inflammation) of the inside of the nose that can be caused by allergies like hay fever. It's also used to treat nasal polyps (painless, soft growths inside the nose).
Mometasone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (or corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are a copy of a hormone that your body makes naturally. They're not the same as anabolic steroids.
It works on your immune system to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions and allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling and itching.
For adults, mometasone nasal spray is available on prescription, or from pharmacies where it's often sold as Clarinaze. For children aged 3 to 17 years old, mometasone nasal spray is only available on prescription.
Ryaltris, another prescription-only nasal spray, contains mometasone mixed with an antihistamine.
Mometasone also comes as:
- a cream, ointment or scalp lotion for eczema and psoriasis
- an inhaler (puffer) for asthma
Key facts
- You'll need to use mometasone nasal spray regularly for it to work, and it may take a few days or up to several weeks to work fully. If you're using it for nasal polyps, it may take up to 2 months to get better.
- If you're using it for hay fever, start a couple of weeks before the hay fever season begins.
- The most common side effects are an unpleasant smell, a dry or sore nose or throat, and nose bleeds.
- You may get a blue steroid treatment card if your doctor has prescribed a very high dose of mometasone nasal spray to control your symptoms. Show this card to your doctor or dentist before any treatment, so they know you're using it. You may also need to carry a red steroid emergency card (for adults) or an adrenal insufficiency card (for children). Ask your pharmacist or doctor.