What is mometasone furoate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Mometasone furoate is a synthetic (man-made)
steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid family of steroid hormones that is used
for the treatment of
nasal allergy. The naturally occurring glucocorticoid
hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands.
Glucocorticoid hormones are potent reducers of inflammation (anti-inflammatory).
When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, medications travel directly to the inner
lining of the nose, and very little is absorbed into the body to cause side
effects. The FDA approved mometasone in October 1997.
What brand names are available for mometasone furoate?
Nasonex
Is mometasone furoate available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for mometasone furoate?
Yes
What are the side effects of mometasone furoate?
The most common side effects associated with nasal
mometasone furoate are:
Nasal septal perforation, fungal infection of the nose,
and disturbances of taste and smell have been reported. Higher doses of
mometasone may cause suppression of the body's ability to make its own natural
glucocorticoid in the adrenal gland. People with suppression of their adrenal
glands (which can be diagnosed by a doctor) would need increased amounts of
glucocorticoids, probably by the oral or intravenous route, during periods of
high physical stress or acute illness when glucocorticoids are particularly
important. Intranasal steroids may cause growth suppression, weaken the immune
system, and may increase the risk of glaucoma, and cataracts.
Allergic reactions, including swelling of face, throat and tongue, as well as rash, hives, and breathing problems may occur.
What is the dosage for mometasone furoate?
For treating allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, or
prevention of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years of age or older ,
the dose of mometasone furoate is two sprays in each nostril once daily. The
dose for children with allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis is one
spray in each nostril once daily. For treatment of nasal polyps the dose is two
sprays in each nostril once or twice daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with mometasone furoate?
Since mometasone is excreted primarily by the
liver, drugs (for example, ketoconazole
[Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric]) that reduce the activity of enzymes
that break down mometasone may increase the blood levels of mometasone.
Is mometasone furoate safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Use during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated.
It is not known if mometasone furoate is secreted in
breast milk. Other medications in this class are secreted into breast milk. It
is not known whether the small amounts of mometasone furoate that may appear in
breast milk have an effect on the infant.
What else should I know about mometasone furoate?
What preparations of mometasone furoate are available?
Aerosol or spray unit: 50 mcg/spray
How should I keep mometasone furoate stored?
Mometasone furoate should be kept at room temperature, 4 C – 30 C (39 F – 86 F). It should be shaken well before each use.