How To Use Mometasone

Complete Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide, Dosage Instructions & Safety Information

Key Takeaways: How to Use Mometasone Correctly

  • Prime before first use (or if unused for 14+ days) by spraying 2 times into the air until a fine mist appears.
  • Shake gently before each use; blow nose to clear nostrils.
  • Correct technique: tilt head forward, spray away from nasal septum, breathe in slowly.
  • Dosage: Adults & children ≥12 years: 2 sprays each nostril once daily. Children 3‑11 years: 1 spray each nostril once daily. Nasal polyps (≥18 years): 2 sprays each nostril once daily; may increase to twice daily after 5‑6 weeks if needed.
  • Clean nozzle weekly to prevent blockage; never use a pin.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue as usual. Do not double.

Mometasone furoate nasal spray is effective only when used correctly. This guide explains exactly how to prepare, administer, and care for your nasal spray to get the most benefit and avoid side effects.

Important Medical Advice

Stop using mometasone and seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction: swollen face/tongue/throat, difficulty swallowing, hives, wheezing, or trouble breathing. Do not use if you have an untreated nasal infection (e.g., cold sores) or if you have recently had nasal surgery/injury until your nose has healed.

How to Use Mometasone: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Follow these steps carefully each time you use your Mometasone Furoate nasal spray. The illustrations in the patient information leaflet can also help.

  1. Prepare the spray (prime if necessary). If you are using the spray for the first time, or if you have not used it for 14 days or longer, shake the bottle gently. Hold it with your thumb on the bottom and your forefinger and middle finger on the white collar. Point the nozzle away from you and pump the spray 2 times into the air until a fine mist is produced. The spray is now ready to use.
  2. Shake the bottle gently before every use.
  3. Remove the dust cap.
  4. Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils.
  5. Position the nozzle. Close one nostril with your finger. Insert the nozzle into the other nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the bottle upright (not angled sideways).
  6. Spray while breathing in. Start to breathe in slowly through your nose and at the same time press down firmly on the collar with your finger to release one spray. Do not sniff hard – just a gentle inward breath.
  7. Breathe out through your mouth. Remove the nozzle and exhale through your mouth. If your dose requires a second spray in the same nostril, repeat steps 5‑6.
  8. Repeat for the other nostril. Move the nozzle to the other nostril and follow the same steps.
  9. Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap.

Cleaning Your Nasal Spray

To keep the spray working properly, clean the nozzle at least once a week:

  • Remove the dust cap.
  • Gently pull upwards on the white collar to detach the nozzle.
  • Soak the nozzle and dust cap in warm water for a few minutes, then rinse under a running tap.
  • Allow to dry in a warm place (away from direct heat) before reassembling.
  • If the nozzle becomes blocked, do not use a pin or sharp object – this will damage the mechanism. Instead, clean as described.

🗒️ Patient tip: To avoid spraying onto the nasal septum (the wall between your nostrils), aim the nozzle slightly away from it, toward the outer wall of the nostril.

Dosage Guide for Adults, Children, and Nasal Polyps

Always use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The following are standard recommended doses based on the PIL and SmPC.

Indication / AgeRecommended DoseMaximum Daily Dose
Allergic rhinitis (adults & children ≥12 years)2 sprays into each nostril once daily4 sprays into each nostril once daily (if symptoms not controlled, under medical advice)
Allergic rhinitis (children 3‑11 years)1 spray into each nostril once dailyAs prescribed; not to exceed 1 spray each nostril daily unless directed
Nasal polyps (adults ≥18 years)2 sprays into each nostril once dailyIf no improvement after 5‑6 weeks, may increase to 2 sprays each nostril twice daily; if still no improvement after further 5‑6 weeks, reassess

Important: For hay fever, your doctor may advise starting treatment before the pollen season begins to prevent symptoms. Continue regular use even if you feel better, unless told to stop.

Missed dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not use an extra dose to make up.

Overdose: Accidental overdose is unlikely with nasal use. If you use more than prescribed, tell your doctor. Long‑term high doses may rarely affect hormone levels (especially in children).

Who Should Use Mometasone Nasal Spray?

Mometasone furoate nasal spray is licensed for:

  • Adults and children aged 3 years and older for the relief of symptoms of seasonal (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis (sneezing, itching, blocked or runny nose).
  • Adults aged 18 years and older for the treatment of nasal polyps (small growths in the nose) to reduce their size and relieve nasal blockage.

It is suitable for short‑term and long‑term use under medical supervision. If you have persistent symptoms, your doctor will review your condition regularly.

Who Should NOT Use Mometasone?

Do not use Mometasone nasal spray if:

  • You are allergic to mometasone furoate or any of the other ingredients (listed in the PIL: glycerol, microcrystalline cellulose, carmellose sodium, citric acid monohydrate, polysorbate 80, benzalkonium chloride, sodium citrate dihydrate, water for injection).
  • You have an untreated infection in your nose (e.g., herpes simplex, cold sores). Using a corticosteroid could worsen the infection.
  • You have recently had nasal surgery or injured your nose – wait until healing is complete (your doctor will advise).

Also, talk to your doctor before use if you have tuberculosis, any other infection, or if you are taking other corticosteroids (oral or injectable).

Administration: With or Without Food?

Mometasone nasal spray is applied directly into the nostrils, so food does not affect its absorption or action. You can use it at any time of day, with or without meals. However, it is best to take it at the same time each day to establish a routine. Some people find it convenient to use after brushing their teeth in the morning or before bed.

There are no known interactions with food or drink. However, if you experience minor throat irritation after use, rinsing your mouth with water (not swallowing) may help.

Special Populations: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Other Conditions

Pregnancy

There is limited data on the use of mometasone nasal spray in pregnant women. As with other corticosteroids, it should only be used if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the fetus. Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis itself can affect pregnancy (e.g., sleep disturbance), so discuss with your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether mometasone furoate passes into breast milk. Systemic absorption after nasal use is minimal, so amounts are likely very low. However, caution is advised; use only if clearly needed and under medical advice.

Children (3‑11 years)

Long‑term use of nasal corticosteroids may slow growth rate in children. Height should be regularly monitored by a doctor. The lowest effective dose should be used.

Elderly

No special dose adjustment is required; the same adult doses apply.

Hepatic impairment

Mometasone is metabolised in the liver. Although systemic exposure from nasal spray is negligible, patients with severe liver disease should be monitored as a precaution.

Immunosuppression

If you have a weakened immune system and come into contact with measles or chickenpox, consult your doctor. Corticosteroids may affect the immune response.

Mometasone Usage FAQs

For hay fever, use throughout the pollen season as directed. For perennial rhinitis or nasal polyps, your doctor will advise on duration. Regular use is key – do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor.

Avoid using other nasal sprays unless prescribed. If you need a saline rinse, use it before mometasone and wait a few minutes to allow absorption.

Rinse your eyes with plenty of water. If irritation persists, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

It is not indicated for viral infections like the common cold. However, if you have allergic rhinitis and a cold, you may continue using it as prescribed. Consult your doctor if you suspect a bacterial sinus infection.

The bottle contains 140 sprays. Keep a note of when you started using it; discard 2 months after first use even if some liquid remains, as the medicine may not be fully effective.

Need Mometasone with Expert Guidance?

If you have hay fever, perennial rhinitis, or nasal polyps, a UK‑registered doctor can assess your symptoms and prescribe mometasone online.

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Nabeel M. - Medical Content Manager at Chemist Doctor
Authored byNabeel M.

Medical Content Manager

Nabeel is a co‑founder and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up‑to‑date.

Medical Doctor

Dr. Feroz is a GMC‑registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.

Usman Mir - Superintendent Pharmacist
Approved byUsman Mir

Medical Director

Usman is a co‑founder and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.

Review Date: 12 March 2026

Next Review: 12 September 2026

Published on: 12 March 2026

Last Updated: 12 March 2026