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Beconase AQ vs. Rhinocort Allergy

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) and Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat nasal allergy symptoms. Beconase AQ is available only by prescription, while Rhinocort Allergy can be purchased over-the-counter and as a lower-cost generic. Beconase AQ is typically used twice daily, whereas Rhinocort Allergy is used once per day. Beconase AQ can also prevent nasal polyps from regrowing after surgery, a use not mentioned for Rhinocort Allergy. Rhinocort Allergy may start to relieve symptoms within 1 to 2 days, but it can take up to 2 weeks for full effects, similar to Beconase AQ. However, Rhinocort Allergy can affect children's growth if used long-term. Both medications can cause side effects like nasal irritation and nosebleeds, but Beconase AQ may also cause sneezing attacks.

Beconase AQ

(beclomethasone)

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Budesonide nasal spray

(Rhinocort Allergy)

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Summary for Beconase AQ

Prescription only

Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is a corticosteroid medication used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. In addition, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) can be used to prevent nasal polyps from regrowing after surgical removal.

Indications for Beconase AQ

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Year-round allergies
  • Non-allergic stuffy nose
  • Prevention of nasal polyp recurrence after surgery

Pros and Cons for Beconase AQ

Pros

  • Symptomatic relief can occur as soon as 3 days
  • Can be used by children as young as 6 years old
  • Since it's used directly where the inflammation is happening, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
  • Doesn't make you drowsy or dizzy, compared to allergy relief pills
  • Can be used to treat long-term build-up of mucus in the throat that comes from the nose

Cons

  • Must be used daily to work instead of on an as-needed basis
  • Doesn't have a dose counter to help you keep track of the number of sprays left in the bottle
  • Unlike allergy relief pills, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) only helps to treat nasal symptoms
  • Can cause wounds to heal slower, so may not be a good choice if you've recently had surgery on your nose. If you've had recent nose surgery, discuss with your surgeon if this medication is right for you.
  • Only available as an expensive brand name product
  • If Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is not used for 7 days, you must prime it again

Common Side Effects for Beconase AQ

  • Nasal irritation (24%)
  • Sneezing attacks (4%)

Warnings for Beconase AQ

  • CHANGES IN THE NASAL SEPTUM
  • DECREASED WOUND HEALING
  • VISION CHANGES

Summary for Rhinocort Allergy

Over-the-counter

Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy) is an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication for adults and children age 6 years and older. It's a corticosteroid that relieves nasal allergy symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose, and sneezing. Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Allergy) is sprayed into each nostril once per day. Side effects can include nose bleeds and irritation in the nose. This medication is available as a generic.

Indications for Rhinocort Allergy

Pros and Cons for Rhinocort Allergy

Pros

  • First-choice medication for treating nasal allergy symptoms
  • Only used once per day
  • Available over the counter
  • Can be used for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Might cause nose bleeds
  • Might take up to 2 weeks to feel the full benefits from the medication
  • Not meant for relieving nasal symptoms related to the common cold

Common Side Effects for Rhinocort Allergy

  • Bloody nose (8%)
  • Sore throat (4%)

Warnings for Rhinocort Allergy

  • Nose bleeds, discomfort, and injury
  • Risk of infection
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Allergic reactions
  • Eye and vision problems

Prices with our coupons for Beconase AQ vs. Rhinocort Allergy

Price Card Drug Icon
Beconase AQ1 nasal spray / 25g of 42mcg/spray
$287.87$412.63
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Price Card Drug Icon
Rhinocort Allergy1 nasal spray / 60 sprays of 32mcg
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