Nasal corticosteroid sprays for snoring

Examples

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Brand Name	Generic Name
Beconase AQ	beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate

Brand Name	Generic Name
Rhinocort	budesonide

Brand Name	Generic Name
Nasarel	flunisolide

Brand Name	Generic Name
Flonase	fluticasone propionate

Brand Name	Generic Name
Nasonex	mometasone furoate monohydrate

Brand Name	Generic Name
Nasacort AQ	triamcinolone acetonide

Brand Name	Generic Name
Veramyst	fluticasone furoate

How It Works

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Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation in the nose. This may help reduce congestion that leads to snoring.

Why It Is Used

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Nasal corticosteroid sprays are used when congestion is the cause of snoring and other treatment has not relieved the congestion.

How Well It Works

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Nasal corticosteroid sprays effectively decrease congestion and thus may reduce snoring.

Side Effects

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Side effects of nasal corticosteroid sprays are rare and minimal, even after long periods of continuous use.

• The most common complaint is a burning sensation in the nose right after the spray is used. Some people experience an unpleasant aftertaste. Others may experience some dryness in the nasal mucous membranes. These side effects can often be avoided by changing the preparation used.
• Nosebleeds occur in some people using the nasal spray.

Rare side effects of nasal corticosteroid sprays include:

• Sores in the nose.
• A hole (perforation) that forms in the wall between the nostrils (septum).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

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Corticosteroids are not the kind of steroids used for muscle building. People do not "bulk up" when using corticosteroids.

There has been some concern that nasal corticosteroid sprays may cause side effects in children, such as growth delay and behavioral disturbances. At the recommended doses, nasal corticosteroid sprays have not been shown to produce serious side effects.¹ However, because of these concerns, nasal corticosteroid sprays are used in children only when necessary. Discuss with your health professional whether corticosteroids are suitable for your child, and if so, which ones to use.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should take corticosteroids only after discussing the risks with a health professional.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

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Citations

1. Meltzer EO (1998). Treatment options for the child with allergic rhinitis. Clinical Pediatrics, 37(1): 1–10.

Credits

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Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders
Last Updated	January 30, 2008