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Compare Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have several differences. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, helping to relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. It can also be used as a sleep aid due to its drowsiness effect. In contrast, triamcinolone is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nose, helping to relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Diphenhydramine is available in various forms like tablets, capsules, and liquid, while triamcinolone is available as a nasal spray. Diphenhydramine can cause significant drowsiness and is not recommended for long-term use. For this reason, it's generally best to avoid diphenhydramine in adults 65 years and older. Triamcinolone is used once daily and is less likely to cause drowsiness. Additionally, triamcinolone is not recommended for children under 2 years old and may take up to a week to show full effects, while diphenhydramine can be used in children as young as 6 years old for allergy symptoms but not for sleep in those under 12 years old.

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  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)

  • Summary of Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) oral medication that's commonly used to treat allergies, common cold symptoms, and itching. Because it makes most people very sleepy, it can also be used as an occasional sleep aid.

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is a nasal spray for adults and children 2 years of age and older that helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and typically lasts for 24 hours. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) doesn't have many side effects, but you might have a temporary sore throat or cough after you use it. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) is available over the counter as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Indications for
    •Allergies
    •Common cold symptoms
    •Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)

  • Pros and Cons of Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Can help relieve allergy and cold symptoms within about 30 minutes
    •Can be used in children as young as 6 years old with allergy and cold symptoms
    •Can help with occasional sleep problems (12 years and older)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available OTC in several different dosage forms
    Cons
    •Not the best option for long-term use
    •Can cause drowsiness the next day when used for sleep
    •Can cause hyperactivity in some children
    •Might not be safe for people with breathing problems, glaucoma, or problems with urinating
    •Can impair your ability to drive or do tasks that require alertness
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter product
    •Used once daily and can last up to 24 hours
    •Not likely to make you sleepy
    •Small, portable spray that's easy to carry and use anywhere
    Cons
    •Might take up to 1 week for some symptoms to get better
    •Might not be a good option if you have an injured nose or recently had nasal surgery
    •Might slow down the growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Not meant to be used to relieve common cold symptoms

  • Common Side Effects of Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth, nose, and throat
    •Headache
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults and children 12 years or older:

    •Sore throat (5%)
    •Nose bleed (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

    Children ages 4 to 12 years:

    •Flu-like symptoms (9%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Sore throat (8%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    •Tooth problems (3%)

    Children ages 2 to 5 years:

    •Headache (6%)
    •Sore throat (6%)
    •Nose bleed (5%)
    •Common cold symptoms (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Asthma (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    •Skin picking problem (3%)
    •Runny nose (2%)

  • Warnings of Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidental overdose
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain health problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Slowed growth rate in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

    Learn more about Diphenhydramine
    Learn more about Nasacort

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