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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

 

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Nasacort

(triamcinolone acetonide)

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Summary for Benadryl

Over-the-counter

Diphenhydramine, also known by the brand name Benadryl, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy or common cold symptoms in adults and children. It comes as pills and a liquid and is typically taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Because it can make you drowsy, some people also use it as a sleep aid at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for Benadryl

  • Short-term relief of allergy or common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes) - people 6 years and older
  • Occasional trouble sleeping - people 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Benadryl

Pros

  • Relieves allergy and cold symptoms in about 15 to 30 minutes
  • Safe for children as young as 6 years old
  • Available over the counter
  • Comes as pills and liquid

Cons

  • Can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
  • Might need to take multiple times a day for symptom relief
  • Not the best choice for older adults
  • Can worsen certain conditions like glaucoma and stomach ulcers

Common Side Effects for Benadryl

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry mouth

Warnings for Benadryl

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidental overdose
  • Worsening of certain health problems

Summary for Nasacort Allergy

Over-the-counter

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 for Nasacort Allergy

  • Hay fever and allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose)

Pros and Cons for Nasacort Allergy

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 for Nasacort Allergy

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 for Nasacort Allergy

  • Nasal problems
  • Eye problems
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Slowed growth rate in children

Prices with our coupons for Benadryl vs. Nasacort Allergy

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Diphenhydramine30 capsules / 25mg
$9.66-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Nasacort Allergy1 nasal spray / 120 sprays
$12.25$21.69
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