Pluster

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Pluster

What is Pluster? An Overview

Property Description
Active ingredient Mometasone Furoate
Form Aqueous Suspension Nasal Spray (Metered-Dose)
Pharmacological class Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid)
General purpose Suppression of nasal inflammation and allergic responses
Origin Synthetic

Defining Pluster: A Localized Corticosteroid

Pluster is a pharmaceutical preparation that is a monotherapy, containing the synthetic active ingredient known as Mometasone Furoate. This substance is formally classified within the potent glucocorticoid family of corticosteroids, a class of medicine clinically recognized for its reliable anti-inflammatory capabilities. The compound is known to possess high receptor affinity, meaning it is highly effective at modulating inflammatory processes at the cellular level. Pluster is typically reserved for prescription (Rx) use, signifying the professional oversight required for initiating glucocorticoid therapy.

Composition and Targeted Delivery

The medicine is physically supplied as an aqueous suspension nasal spray, utilizing a precise metered-dose system for consistent administration. This specialized dosage form is engineered for topical nasal administration, which is fundamental to its clinical distinction. Pharmacological studies confirm that formulating Mometasone Furoate as an aqueous nasal spray results in negligible systemic exposure, with minimal bioavailability. This characteristic ensures that the drug's powerful anti-inflammatory effect is focused on the nasal lining, a critical feature when addressing symptoms such as persistent congestion or irritation resulting from common seasonal allergies.

General Purpose and Anti-Allergic Action

The primary function of the Mometasone Furoate active ingredient is to achieve effective, sustained relief by rigorously controlling allergic and inflammatory processes. As a potent anti-allergic agent, it works by inhibiting the release of key inflammatory mediators—the chemical messengers that cause swelling and irritation—from immune cells within the nasal tissue. The efficacy of this nasal glucocorticoid approach is consistently supported in medical literature for providing profound relief from the chronic irritation and swelling (edema) associated with recurrent allergic rhinitis. This targeted action is useful in situations where nasal tissues require stabilization and sustained relief from inflammatory triggers.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed for Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray

What side effects are possible with Pluster?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Official regulatory documents categorize the known adverse reactions of Mometasone Furoate nasal spray based on frequency and the body system affected. The most frequently documented effects are localized to the nasal passage or represent general complaints.

Adverse Reaction Frequencies

The frequency classification used in regulatory labeling determines the likelihood of experiencing certain effects:

  • Very Common (Affects 1 in 10 or more): Headache and Epistaxis (nosebleeds).
  • Common (Affects 1 in 100 to 1 in 10): Nasal irritation, nasal burning, nasal ulceration, pharyngitis (sore throat), Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, and cough.

Serious Safety Characteristics

The official labeling documents rare but clinically significant safety concerns, often associated with prolonged use or improper administration. These serious adverse reactions include the potential for Nasal Septal Perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) and, with long-term use, the development of Glaucoma or Cataracts.

Localized infection by Candida albicans in the nose or throat has also been reported. Additionally, the risk of Adrenal Suppression (Hypercorticism) exists when the medicine is used at dosages higher than recommended, as small amounts can be absorbed systemically.

Population and Context-Specific Considerations

The safety profile includes restrictions and monitoring requirements for specific patient groups and clinical states:

  • Pediatric Safety: Due to the potential for growth reduction associated with all nasal corticosteroids, growth velocity monitoring is a required safety consideration for children and adolescents.
  • Restrictions on Use: The medicine is not to be used in the presence of an untreated localized infection involving the nasal mucosa (such as herpes simplex) or until recent nasal surgery or trauma is fully healed. This constraint addresses the potential for corticosteroids to impair wound healing.
  • Long-Term Monitoring: For patients using the spray for several months or longer, regulatory documents advise the periodic examination of the nasal mucosa to check for possible changes.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope and Risk Classification

The official regulatory profile for Pluster overdose distinguishes between acute single exposure and chronic misuse. Due to the nasal spray's inherently low systemic bioavailability, an acute overdose resulting from inhalation or accidental ingestion is generally considered unlikely to produce severe systemic effects that require intensive medical intervention [Source 1.1, 1.7]. Management for such a singular event is typically limited to clinical observation and symptomatic supportive care. No specific antidote is known for an acute mometasone furoate nasal spray overdose [Source 1.1].

Documented Manifestations and Emergency Action

The documented systemic risk is associated with chronic overdose, which is the prolonged use of dosages higher than those officially recommended. This excessive exposure may lead to the development of hypercorticism or adrenal suppression, which is a clinically significant effect on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis [Source 1.7]. If any signs of systemic corticosteroid effects, such as manifestations of hypercorticism, are observed, it is mandated that medical help be sought immediately [Source 1.7]. For pediatric patients, prolonged high-dose exposure presents a specific, documented risk of growth retardation, necessitating HPA axis function monitoring [Source 1.1, 1.7].

Therapeutic Uses of Pluster

Pluster (Mometasone Furoate nasal spray) is relevant in contexts involving allergic inflammation in the nose. The therapeutic approach involves applying support for localized discomfort across multiple domains.

This medication is commonly used across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms such as seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and for treating nasal polyps in adult patients. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed to address symptom clusters that may become more disruptive during flare-ups, specifically sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and congestion. The primary benefit involves managing the symptomatic discomfort related to irritative states. It is commonly used to help with symptoms related to physical discomfort. This treatment is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, providing supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.


Quick Fact: Relief for Nasal Congestion Pluster is commonly used to help with symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, such as the sense of nasal blockage and obstruction. By assisting with symptom management in conditions involving irritative processes, it contributes to improved comfort and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Pluster? — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility for Pluster (Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray) is defined by official regulatory documents based on age, existing health conditions, and specific nasal status.

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and children 12 years of age and older (for allergic rhinitis) and adults 18 years and older (for nasal polyps) [3.6, 4.3]. Children 2 to 11 years of age are eligible for allergic rhinitis treatment [1.4, 3.6].
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipients [4.3]. The medicine must not be used in the presence of untreated localized infection (e.g., Herpes Simplex) or until complete healing has occurred following recent nasal surgery, trauma, or ulcers [4.3].
Age-related eligibility rules Use is contraindicated in children younger than 2 years of age for all indications [1.2]. Safety and efficacy for the treatment of nasal polyps have not been established in patients under 18 years of age [4.3].
Condition-specific eligibility rules Use requires caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculous infections or untreated systemic viral, bacterial, or fungal infections [4.1]. Close monitoring is warranted for patients with a history of glaucoma or cataracts [4.3].
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility Use during pregnancy is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the mother justifies any potential risk [4.3]. For lactation, a decision must be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue/abstain from therapy [4.3].

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documents establish eligibility by first defining absolute contraindications concerning hypersensitivity, unhealed nasal tissue, or localized infection. Eligibility is further structured by age, restricting use for all indications in infants and for the nasal polyp indication in adolescents. Finally, comorbidity and physiological status determine conditional use, requiring caution or monitoring in populations with underlying systemic infections or for patients who may be pregnant or breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Pluster (Mometasone Furoate nasal spray) is primarily defined by the potential for cumulative systemic exposure, as documented in regulatory prescribing information. Due to its targeted, low-systemic-exposure delivery, the number of documented drug-drug interactions is limited compared to systemic corticosteroids.


Interacting Medicinal Products

Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is the most significant pharmacokinetic interaction documented. These medicines, such as ritonavir or cobicistat-containing products, are known to slow the body's breakdown of Pluster's active component. This reduced clearance may lead to increased systemic exposure to Mometasone Furoate, carrying the potential for systemic corticosteroid effects.

An additive pharmacodynamic risk exists when Pluster is used concurrently with other corticosteroid-containing products (e.g., oral or topical steroids). This combination may result in cumulative exposure and heightened risk of systemic effects. Conversely, a clinical study documented that co-treatment with the antihistamine loratadine showed no interaction was observed.


Interaction-Context Notes

Official labeling indicates that no absolute drug-drug combinations are formally classified as contraindicated. Furthermore, there are no mandatory timing-based rules documented requiring separation of doses for co-administered medicines. The interaction profile does include a note regarding patients with hepatic impairment (liver disease), where clearance of the medicine may be reduced, potentially increasing its effects.

Mechanism of Action

How Pluster Works

Pluster exerts its action primarily by precise modulation of key signaling cascades. The drug operates across distinct mechanistic domains, focusing on specific receptor systems and subsequent mediator activity, resulting in altered cascade kinetics.

Pluster acts within domains involving receptor-mediated signaling by exhibiting high affinity for a specific class of membrane receptors, such as RX receptors. Its binding event initiates a conformational change that alters the receptor's activity, functioning as either an agonist to stimulate the pathway or an antagonist to block it. This modification contributes to changes in systemic physiological responses by altering the cell's immediate response to circulating mediators.

The mechanism also influences mediator feedback pathways by modifying signaling sequences that regulate the production and clearance of certain physiological mediators. This pathway alteration results in altered kinetics of heightened physiological responses and modified mediator activity levels in the cellular microenvironment. Collectively, these actions alter the output within targeted biological systems.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Pluster is Used: Administration and Dosing Principles

Pluster (Mometasone Furoate) is formulated as an aqueous suspension nasal spray and is approved for the intranasal route of administration. Each metered actuation delivers a standardized dose of 50 micrograms (mu g) of Mometasone Furoate, ensuring focused delivery to the nasal lining.

Standard Administration and Dosing

Indication Age Group Standard Daily Dose (Total mu g) Frequency
Allergic Rhinitis Adults & Adolescents (ge 12 years) 200 mu g (2 sprays/nostril) Once daily
Allergic Rhinitis Children (3-11 years) 100 mu g (1 spray/nostril) Once daily
Nasal Polyposis Adults (ge 18 years) 200 mu g to 400 mu g Once or twice daily

The maximum recommended daily dose for allergic rhinitis is 400 mu g. For maintenance, the dose is generally titrated to the lowest effective amount that maintains symptom control. Treatment should be used regularly and continuously, as the full therapeutic benefit may take up to two weeks to manifest.

Procedural Requirements

Prior to initial use, the spray pump must be primed by actuating it until a fine spray is observed; repriming is required if unused for seven days or longer. The bottle must be shaken well before each use to ensure a consistent suspension is delivered. For patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, administration may be initiated several weeks prior to the expected start of the pollen season.

Missed Dose and Pediatric Use

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is close to the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped; patients must not use a double dose. For children receiving long-term treatment, routine monitoring of height is performed to identify potential growth effects, advising a reduction to the lowest effective dose if necessary.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Pluster

Evidence for Use in Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Research examining Pluster's role in allergic rhinitis—a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations—involved multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses combining data from these trials are available.

Researchers used these studies to explore outcomes related to physical discomfort and outcomes reflecting daily functioning. Trials monitored the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), which is an assessment combining patient-reported experiences of sneezing, nasal itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. These studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity and examined short-term symptom changes over defined time intervals, such as two to four weeks for seasonal allergies and up to 12 weeks for perennial allergies.

Evidence for Use in Nasal Polyps

Research for nasal polyps, which are conditions marked by functional limitations and often present with chronic obstruction, involved intermediate-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. These studies explored treatment patterns over periods of three to four months in adult populations.

The studies explored a dual assessment, including an objective physician-evaluated measure of polyp size (using the Nasal Polyp Score) and a patient-reported outcome describing perceived discomfort, such as nasal congestion or obstruction. Data show patterns related to changes in the measured size of the polyps and corresponding differences in patient-reported nasal congestion scores within the study duration.

Long-Term Follow-up and Duration of Study

Clinical trials examining the medicine generally track patient outcomes over short to intermediate periods, but long-term effects are not fully established. For perennial allergic rhinitis, studies monitored patterns of response for up to three months, and some extended analyses have tracked outcomes for up to a year. However, data are still emerging regarding outcomes beyond one year of continuous use.

Limitations and Areas for Future Research

A number of studies have been used in research exploring how symptoms change over time, yet there are still inherent research limitation frames. For example, comparative evidence is lacking for direct, randomized comparisons against every alternative treatment currently available.

Follow-up durations were limited in many pivotal allergic rhinitis trials, meaning long-term effects are not fully established regarding the durability of the observed patterns. Findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and research provides context but not individual predictions about how any single patient will respond.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials.
  2. NCT00731185: Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray for Treatment of Nasal Polyposis After Surgery (Study P03218)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pluster (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Pluster start to work after taking it?

A: Official product information indicates that while the full therapeutic benefit of Pluster may take up to two weeks of regular use to be achieved, the active ingredient typically reaches its peak concentration in the body within one to two and a half hours after administration. This suggests the initial effect begins within a few hours, even though maximum symptom relief takes longer to build up.

Q: Are the side effects of Pluster usually temporary?

A: For the common, localized side effects such as nosebleeds or irritation, general patient guidance often suggests that they may decrease or settle down as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, official safety advice emphasizes that if any side effects persist, worsen, or become concerning, consultation with a healthcare professional is appropriate.

Q: Does Pluster interact with herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

A: The primary interaction documented in regulatory profiles is with certain medicines that strongly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. While specific herbal supplements like St. John's Wort are not tested in the same way as prescription drugs, official guidance generally suggests that there is not enough specific information to confirm their safe use with Pluster. Patient guidance emphasizes informing a healthcare professional about all supplements being used.

Q: Does Pluster cause any emotional changes or mood swings?

A: Emotional changes, mood swings, or other psychological disturbances are not listed among the common or very common adverse reactions in the official prescribing information for the nasal spray. However, regulatory agencies officially monitor for potential changes in behavior or mood for the corticosteroid class of medicines in general.

Q: Is a medical ID card needed when taking Pluster?

A: The official labeling for Pluster does not mandate carrying a medical identification card. However, it does include a warning about the potential risk of Adrenal Suppression (a condition where the body does not produce enough natural steroids) with high-dose or long-term use. Official guidance notes this is a point of discussion between the patient and their healthcare professional.

Q: Are there generic versions of Pluster available?

A: Yes. Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have provided documentation that confirms the availability of generic versions of the active ingredient Mometasone Furoate nasal spray. These generic products are approved under the same regulatory standards as the original branded medicine.

Q: Does Pluster cause weight gain or weight loss?

A: Neither weight gain nor weight loss is listed as a common or very common adverse reaction in the official regulatory documents for Pluster nasal spray. Since the drug is administered topically in the nose, the low amount of systemic absorption helps to minimize the systemic effects often associated with oral steroids.

Q: Can Pluster affect my sleep or cause insomnia?

A: Insomnia, or any general sleep disturbance, is not listed among the common or very common side effects reported in the official prescribing information for Pluster nasal spray.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Pluster?

A: Official guidance states that if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered, unless the time is very close to the next scheduled dose. If that is the case, the regulatory guidance for a missed dose is to skip it, and patients are advised not to use two doses at one time to make up for the missed one.

Q: Can I take Pluster if I have kidney problems?

A: Official regulatory documents and pharmacokinetic studies do not report specific clinical data or recommendations regarding the use of Pluster in patients with renal impairment (kidney problems). The systemic absorption is generally low, but consultation with a healthcare professional regarding any kidney issues is standard patient guidance.

Q: Are there less common but serious side effects associated with Pluster?

A: Yes. Official regulatory documents list less common but clinically significant effects that may occur, often with prolonged use. These include the potential for Glaucoma or Cataracts, a rare risk of Nasal Septal Perforation (a hole in the nasal cartilage), and the potential for a localized fungal infection (Candida albicans) in the nose or throat.

Q: Does Pluster have an effect on liver function?

A: The active ingredient in Pluster is metabolized, or broken down, by the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. Regulatory documents note that caution may be necessary for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (liver disease), as the medicine's clearance may be reduced in this population.

Q: What is the shelf life of Pluster?

A: Pluster has two timelines for stability. The medicine bottle has a defined expiration date printed on the packaging, which applies to the product before it is opened. Once the bottle is first used, the product must be discarded within 2 months (60–75 days), regardless of the amount of liquid remaining inside.

Q: Are there any documented cases of Pluster dependency?

A: The official prescribing information does not list physical addiction or dependency as a known adverse event for the nasal spray. However, regulatory reviews related to corticosteroids note reports of Topical Steroid Withdrawal reactions following prolonged, continuous use of steroid products, which is an important consideration.

Q: Can Pluster be taken with multivitamins or mineral supplements?

A: Pluster’s interaction profile does not list any specific interactions with general multivitamins or mineral supplements. Because supplements are not typically assessed for interactions with prescription medicines, patient safety guidelines emphasize the importance of informing a healthcare professional about all supplements being used.

Q: Are there specific warnings for people with heart conditions using Pluster?

A: The primary warnings focus on nasal status, existing infections, and eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. However, certain clinical trial documents and general warnings for this class of medicine often list pre-existing cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease as a condition that may warrant closer monitoring by a healthcare professional.

How should Pluster be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Pluster? (Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray)

The official storage and disposal requirements for Pluster are mandated to maintain its quality and ensure safety.

Storage Requirements

Condition Rule
Temperature Store at room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C. Do not freeze or store near excessive heat.
Protection Keep in its original container, tightly closed, and protect from direct light and moisture.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Stability and Disposal Rules

In-Use Stability: The bottle must be discarded within 2 months (60–75 days) after the date of first use, regardless of the remaining liquid volume. The bottle must also be discarded after the labeled number of sprays has been administered.

Disposal: Any unused or expired product must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Consult a healthcare professional or local pharmacy on how to safely discard outdated medicine; do not flush the product down a toilet or pour it into a drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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