why are OTC decongestant nasal sprays considered bad, but prescription ones are okay?

[eatnow]

Aren't they technically the samething? Why are otc nasal sprays considered bad (besides for the obvious rebound affect)? What makes prescription nasal sprays like nasonex, flonase, rhinocort, nasarel, etc okay for long term use?

[albertasaurus]

Because the OTC drugs are vasoconstrictors and the prescription ones you listed are steroids aka anti-inflammatories. There is no rebound from steroids.

[Titchou]

You could try Nasalcrom...it's OTC. It was invented to get people off Afrin...it worked for my sister.

[eatnow]

ah, i did not know that, thanks.


titchou: i'm not on any OTC nasal sprays, but thanks for the info