Definition
Nasonex® is a drug that is often used as a nasal spray to treat allergic or inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx. The active ingredient is called mometasone and belongs to the group of highly effective glucocorticoids. Mometasone is also used in ointments and creams and is thus used locally against allergic or inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis.
Glucocorticoids, of which cortisone is the best known representative, are used in countless diseases of the most varied kinds and have a very good anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect. This means that the immune system is dampened and thus kept in check against an excessive, inappropriate reaction, which is useful in allergic diseases. The many other effects of glucocorticoids, which affect all metabolic pathways of the body, are negligible here, as Nasonex® is only used locally and therefore cannot have any effect in the rest of the organism.
Although it is absorbed through the mucous membranes, it is immediately broken down in the blood. The effect of Nasonex® is mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor, whereupon a variety of reaction sequences are set in motion. This results in a reduced formation of pro-inflammatory messenger substances such as prostaglandins and histamine, which plays a central role in the allergic reaction, and an increase in anti-inflammatory substances.
Thus, the local application of Nasonex® , for example in the nose in hay fever, allows its effect to unfold at the desired locations and relieve symptoms such as itching, runny or blocked nose, persistent sneezing and a general inflammation of the mucous membranes. As described above, Nasonex® has no effect on the rest of the body. This is a major advantage, as it also avoids the side effects that are expected with prolonged systemic administration, i.e. more effective everywhere. Nevertheless, you should consult a doctor if you are taking other glucocorticoid preparations in addition to Nasonex®. Due to its additional effect of inhibiting cells in growth and proliferation (antiproliferative), mucous membrane proliferations in the nasopharynx, the nasal polyps, can also be inhibited by Nasonex in growth.
