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Mometasone

AEMPS

Inhaled, intranasal, and topical corticosteroid

ATC code: R03BA07

Updated · Methodology

Indications

A

Allergic rhinitis

First line

Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children from 2–3 years (Nasonex from 2). Per ARIA 2020 and SEAIC 2023, intranasal corticosteroids are first-line. Dose: 100–200 µg (2 sprays per nostril) once daily. Effect at 11 hours, full effect at 1–2 weeks. In children 2–11 years, standard dose is 100 µg once daily. Long-term safety on childhood growth confirmed up to 1 year of daily use (Schenkel 2000).

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Mometasona (2024)
  2. EAACI: ARIA guideline 2019 update on allergic rhinitis (2020)
  3. BMJ: Intranasal corticosteroids versus oral H1 receptor antagonists in allergic rhinitis: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. (1998)
  4. Pediatrics: Absence of growth retardation in children with perennial allergic rhinitis after one year of treatment with mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray. (2000)

ICD-10: J30.9 · ICD-11: CA08.0

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Mometasone furoate is a synthetic glucocorticoid with high receptor affinity and low systemic bioavailability via nasal (<0.1%) and inhaled (~11%) routes. Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production and eosinophil trafficking. Strong topical effect on skin – used for moderate dermatoses.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Active tuberculosis without concurrent antitubercular therapy
  • Acute bacterial or viral nasal infection (nasal form)
  • Rosacea, perioral dermatitis (topical form)

Serious adverse effects

  • Nasal septal perforation (rare with long-term use)
  • Glaucoma and cataract (long-term use)
  • Adrenal suppression (at high doses or with concurrent topical corticosteroids)

Common adverse effects

  • Epistaxis
  • Nasal mucosal irritation
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Nasal candidiasis (rare)

Pregnancy: can you take Mometasone?

Use when clearly needed. Beclomethasone and budesonide have more pregnancy data.

Breastfeeding: can you take Mometasone?

Compatible. Hale L2. Minimal systemic absorption – negligible milk transfer.

Calculate RIDFull profile on NIH LactMed ↗

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Timing and administration

Apply the nasal form in the morning – peak action matches symptom peak. Use the inhaled form per schedule. Rinse and spit after inhalation.
Label mentions7 mentions

Verbatim lines from the interaction sections, in the language of the label

From this drug’s label

  • MajorCobicistat
    «Se espera que el tratamiento concomitante con inhibidores de CYP3A, incluyendo medicamentos que contienen cobicistat, aumente el riesgo de reacciones adversas sistémicas. Se debe evitar esa…»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • Majorinhibidores del CYP3A4class named in the label
    «Se espera que el tratamiento concomitante con inhibidores de CYP3A, incluyendo medicamentos que contienen cobicistat, aumente el riesgo de reacciones adversas sistémicas. Se debe evitar esa…»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • Loratadine
    «Se llevó a cabo un estudio de interacciones clínicas con la loratadina. No se han observado interacciones.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

From other drugs’ labels

  • MajorCobicistat
    «Established and Other Potentially Significant Interactions: Corticosteroids: e.g., betamethasone budesonide ciclesonide dexamethasone fluticasone methylprednisolone mometasone triamcinolone ↓…»

    FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed

  • MajorDarunavir
    «CORTICOSTEROIDES: Corticosteroides metabolizados principalmente por CYP3A (incluyendo betametasona, budesonida, fluticasona, mometasona, prednisona, triamcinolona).»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • MajorDarunavir
    «Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Corticosteroids: dexamethasone (systemic) Corticosteroids primarily metabolized by CYP3A: eg. betamethasone budesonide ciclesonide…»

    FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed

  • ModerateRitonavir
    «Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Systemic/Inhaled/Nasal/Ophthalmic Corticosteroids: e.g., betamethasone budesonide ciclesonide dexamethasone fluticasone…»

    FDA, section 7 · Open on DailyMed

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Frequently asked

What is Mometasone used for?

Mometasone is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Allergic rhinitis (evidence tier A), Asthma (evidence tier A). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Mometasone?

Common side effects of Mometasone (≥ 1 in 100): Epistaxis, Nasal mucosal irritation, Headache, Sore throat, Cough, Nasal candidiasis (rare). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Mometasone safe during pregnancy?

Use when clearly needed. Beclomethasone and budesonide have more pregnancy data.

Is Mometasone compatible with breastfeeding?

Compatible. Hale L2. Minimal systemic absorption – negligible milk transfer.

Who should not take Mometasone?

Mometasone is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Active tuberculosis without concurrent antitubercular therapy; Acute bacterial or viral nasal infection (nasal form); Rosacea, perioral dermatitis (topical form). Full list in the Safety section.

Official sources

Direct links to regulator labels. Open in a new tab.

Other drugs in this group

Montelukast, Roflumilast, Salbutamol (Albuterol), Salmeterol, Theophylline, Beclomethasone dipropionate, Fluticasone, Salmeterol + Fluticasone