Mometasone

Mometasone and its derivate mometasone furoate are steroids (specifically, glucocorticoids), medications used to treat certain skin conditions, hay fever, and asthma. Specifically, they are used to prevent, rather than treat, asthma attacks. They can be applied to the skin, inhaled, or used in the nose. Currently only mometasone furoate is used in medical products. Common side effects when used for asthma include headache, sore throat, and thrush. It is therefore recommended to rinse the mouth after use. Long-term use may increase the risk for glaucoma and cataracts. Common side effects when used in the nose include upper respiratory tract infections and nose bleeds. Common side effects when applied on the skin include acne, skin atrophy, and itchiness. It works by decreasing inflammation. Mometasone furoate was patented in 1981 and came into medical use in 1987. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the 272nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 800,000 prescriptions.