Mometasone Nasal — NZ Medication Guide

What is Mometasone Nasal?

Mometasone Nasal (generic name: mometasone furoate (intranasal)) is used for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and nasal polyp management. Mometasone nasal spray (Nasonex) is funded by Pharmac on prescription for allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis.

What is Mometasone Nasal Used For?

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Perennial allergic rhinitis
• Nasal polyposis
• Non-allergic rhinitis (selected patients)

How Does Mometasone Nasal Work?

Mometasone is a potent intranasal corticosteroid with less than 0.1% systemic absorption. It suppresses inflammatory mediators (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines) in the nasal mucosa, relieving congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. Regular daily use is required for full effect.

How to Take Mometasone Nasal

Shake bottle before use. Blow nose first. Direct nozzle slightly away from nasal septum. Adults: 2 sprays per nostril once daily. Children 2-11 years: 1 spray per nostril once daily. Start 1-2 weeks before allergy season for best effect. Maximum benefit seen within 1-2 weeks of daily use.

Common Side Effects

• Nasal stinging or burning
• Nosebleeds
• Headache
• Pharyngitis
• Unpleasant taste or smell
• Nasal dryness

Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Attention

• Nasal septum perforation (rare — incorrect technique)
• Reduced growth velocity in children at high doses
• Cataract or glaucoma with prolonged high-dose use (rare)
• Adrenal suppression (extremely rare at standard doses)

Drug Interactions

• Ritonavir and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — may increase systemic mometasone exposure
• Other corticosteroids — additive systemic exposure

New Zealand Prescribing Information

BPAC NZ recommends intranasal corticosteroids as first-line for moderate-severe allergic rhinitis, superior to antihistamines for nasal congestion. Mometasone is preferred over older nasal steroids due to lowest systemic bioavailability. Fluticasone (Flixonase) is another funded alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mometasone take to work?

Some improvement within 12-24 hours but maximum benefit takes 1-2 weeks of daily use. Start 1-2 weeks before allergy season for seasonal allergies. Continue daily even when symptoms seem controlled.

Is it safe long-term?

Yes — mometasone is safe for long-term daily use. Less than 0.1% is absorbed systemically, so systemic steroid side effects are very rare at standard doses.

References & Further Information

The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page:

• New Zealand Formulary — Mometasone (nasal)
• Pharmac — Funded Medicines Schedule
• BPAC NZ — Allergic Rhinitis
• Medsafe — Nasonex Consumer Information

Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist — KiwiMeds New Zealand