Mometasone furoate is a glucocorticoid that is often used to treat inflammation of the skin, such as psoriasis or eczema, as well as allergic rhinitis. It can be used to treat either condition because glucocorticoids are known for effectively reducing inflammation. As a treatment for allergic rhinitis, it comes as a spray, while it is usually in the form of ointment, lotion, or cream when treating skin inflammation. In either case, it usually needs to be prescribed by a doctor, as overdose and adverse drug interactions of any form of this medication can be harmful.
When mometasone furoate is prescribed as a nasal spray, it decreases swelling in the nasal passages, though it can also get rid of growths, often called nasal polyps. Relief of nasal swelling often gets rid of symptoms like stuffiness, itchiness, sneezing, and a runny nose, which are typical symptoms of allergies. Mometasone furoate is typically supposed to be sprayed into the nostrils once per day, preferably at the same time everyday. Doses should not be doubled, so if one dose is missed, patients are advised to take the medication as soon as possible unless the time for next dose is near, as it is harmful to overdose on mometasone furoate.
Among the most common side effects of mometasone furoate, in the form of a spray, are bloody mucus, dry nostrils, nosebleeds, headaches, and sore throat. More serious side effects include excessive nosebleeds, nose pain, changes in vision, white patches in the mouth or nose, and problems swallowing. While a doctor should be notified of any mometasone furoate side effects, the serious symptoms in particular may call for emergency treatment.
This medication also often comes in the form of ointment, lotion, or cream that can be applied to the skin in the case of psoriasis, eczema, or other conditions that cause skin inflammation. No matter the form, mometasone furoate should only be applied to the affected area of the skin, and it should be put on in a thin layer once per day. Like the nasal spray, a missed dose should be applied as soon as possible unless doing so would result in two doses in one day, as overdose can have a negative effect on patients.
Some of the possible side effects of mometasone furoate for the skin include acne, itching, dry skin, burning, sores, or alteration of the skin's color. More serious side effects include oozing of pus, extreme redness or warmth radiating from the skin, or no improvement of the skin condition after weeks of use. A doctor should be notified of any of these side effects.